Why should we contribute towards e-waste and recycle batteries? 

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If you are willing to grow your knowledge base for recycling battery, here’s a guide for you. 

Our society has relied on lead batteries to make life easier and more sustainable for almost 160 years. This technology today has the safest and most dependable track record of any power storage option on the market.

Looking up for recycling battery companies is n more a big deal. All you need is to check the availabilities and then try looking for something that needs care. 

History behind batteries 

What is a battery?

A battery is an electric cell that generates energy or electricity when a chemical reaction occurs within it. Benjamin Franklin coined the term “battery” to describe the collection of charged glasses in 1748. Alessandro Volta devised the voltaic pile in 1800, which uses a zinc and copper disc to generate electricity. 

William Robert invented the fuel cell in 1839, which generates electricity by mixing hydrogen and oxygen. Liquid electrodes were being employed in batteries by 1840. Gaston Plante, a French chemist, invented the first lead acid battery, which is still used in automobiles today.

Who invented dry battery cell?

Carl Gassner invented dry cell batteries in the year 1881. Waldmar Jungner, a well-known scientist, invented nickel cadmium batteries in the year 1899. In the year 1901, Thomas Edison invented the alkaline storage battery, which employed iron as an anode material and nickel oxide as a cathode material. In the year 1954, a group of scientists named Calvin Fuller, Daryl Chapin, and Gerald Pearson introduced solar cells.

What happens to the lead when we recycle battery?

The most successful recycling programme in the world is lead battery recycling. In India, 92% of battery lead is recycled for:

  • Batteries must be replaced
  • Sports equipment
  • X-ray and medical radiation protection in construction materials
  • Automobile components

Almost every hybrid and electric vehicle on the road today has a lead battery. They are an essential component of start-stop and micro-hybrid engine systems, which can save up to 10% on fuel consumption. 

Car batteries cannot be discarded in the same manner as the rest of our rubbish. Car batteries should be disposed of with extreme caution. Heavy metals, toxic compounds, and hazardous elements can all be found in a typical 12 volt car battery. 

These poisons have the potential to endanger animal, plant, and human health. Improper battery disposal has a number of hazardous effects, including water pollution and soil contamination. Always make sure to find up the proper ways to dispose of automobile batteries in your area, or get professional advice.

Car batteries need replacement- But why? 

Every car’s battery will need to be replaced at some point. The majority of individuals drive their automobiles to a qualified auto shop to have their batteries removed and replaced by a professional, but some people can change their own car batteries. 

In either case, it is critical that the battery is properly disposed of, or better yet, recycled. Here are some of the reasons why you should be cautious while disposing of a car battery, and why recycling them is even better.

If you are getting rid of a car battery on your own, be sure you know how to do it securely. When storing or transporting a battery, always use gloves and safety goggles, and make sure the battery is always facing up. 

Benefits of car battery recycling-

Even if they are exhausted, car batteries should always be recycled. Because automobile batteries contain reusable components that can be easily recycled into new car batteries, they are still valuable after they have served their purpose. 

Lead, plastic, and battery acid can all be recycled for new car batteries and alternative parts. Recycling your automobile battery can be simple; many recycling locations will accept your old battery without any notice or fees. In addition, if you have a new car battery installed at their auto repair shop, most auto mechanics will recycle your old one for you.

Steps involved in battery recycling 

Now let us see the steps in battery recycling processes of types of batteries-

  • Recycling of lead acid battery 
  • Recycling the zinc carbon and alkaline zinc batteries 
  • Recycling of nickel hydrate and lithium ion batteries 
  • Recycle lithium batteries
  • Recycle mercury batteries 

Here are the pros of processing a battery for recycling- 

  • Reduces landfills
  • Saving resources
  • Minimized pollution
  • Huge job opportunities 
  • Green environment is promoted 
  • Global warming is reduced 

Why is battery recycling gaining popularity? 

Battery recycling is a very beneficial practice because it helps the environment in general. Given the paucity of resources in today’s world, recycling is a must. Recycling is the sole remaining alternative for reducing pollution’s impact. More technological breakthroughs should be made in this area so that recycling enhances product quality. 

Battery replacements leads to no pollution at all 

People should be made more aware of the techniques, benefits, and quality of recycling through public awareness campaigns. Government incentives and appealing plans should be provided so that more people are motivated to start recycling units. To summarize, recycling is the most effective strategy to protect the environment from battery pollution.

There are economic benefits of using a battery cell for the environment. The costs of maintenance also reduces compared to the others. With the growing use of the batteries, it means that the raw materials should be mined, turned and processed. This in turn makes the battery power transform into waste. These batteries are not renewable but they are infinitely recyclable. 

Keep the batteries safe 

Relative to the massive quantities of batteries in use, battery explosions and fires are quite unusual. However, they can occur and fires in garbage facilities can be exceedingly hard to extinguish.

Although some lithium batteries are more prone to catching fire than others, all batteries should be treated with care if they are damaged or exposed to heat. The risk of fire and explosion can be reduced by proper storage and handling.

Contact the battery recycling company if you have made good collections of batteries that can be recycle and reused. 

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