Learned Recommendations for Action

One hurdle to be cleared in recycling significant numbers of used Ni-Cd batteries is to assure that the batteries are amassed in convenient locations for shipping to a reclamation facility. In every country studied, this collection objective has been the hardest to accomplish. Many other recyclables are collected for their value as commodities. These materials, whether old newspapers, scrap metals or lead acid batteries, have positive economic value and are sought out by entrepreneurs seeking profit. In contrast, spent Ni-Cd batteries are useful as a source of raw materials when processed, but the combined cost of collection, transportation and processing far exceeds their raw material value. 

To an extent, this impediment can be overcome by identifying convenient points for consumers to drop off their spent batteries. These can be operated by government, the private sector or both. Unfortunately, however, the initial experience of most used Ni-Cd battery collection programs has been that regulatory constraints greatly impede this effort. 

In many countries, because of their constituent cadmium, used Ni-Cd batteries either are now or were considered to be hazardous waste. This designation carries with it substantial burdens for those that handle such material. Generally these entities must meet requirements that were developed to address concerns relating to such industrial wastes as used solvents, acids and the like. They thus require operating and 

The operators of those facilities best situated to collect used Ni-Cd batteries have universally balked at voluntarily undertaking the expense, complexity and liability associated with the these obligations. Compelling entities that sell Ni-Cd batteries at retail to take them back for recycling is little better few welcome this burden, enforcement is difficult, and ultimately, retailers can simply discontinue selling new batteries rather than take on these problems. Since there are some appliances for which there is no alternative to Ni-Cd batteries power, consumers will resort to mail order or other avenues of obtaining the batteries that they need and have no feasible way to recycle them. 

Need to Assure Transportation to the Recycling Facility at Reasonable Cost 

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