Why Should Waste Batteries Be Recycled?

Why Should Waste Batteries Be Recycled? Experts note that batteries used in electronic appliances and vehicles are divided into two categories: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. They indicate that batteries that have reached the end of their service life or have become unusable due to physical damage are defined as 'waste batteries'. Emphasizing that batteries, accumulators and cells contain various substances that can be very dangerous for the environment, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı points out that heavy metals used in battery composition harm humans, animals and plants. Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı states that waste batteries are recycled to protect recipient environments from harmful emissions, prevent heavy metals from mixing into soil or water, and generate economic gain by recovering certain valuable metals contained within them. Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı, Deputy Head of the Chemistry Engineering English Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, shared important information about the uses of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, the environmental effects of substances in batteries and recycling methods.

Mercury prevents battery discharge

Stating that batteries consist of a negative electrode (anode) and positive electrode (cathode) with an electrolyte that facilitates chemical reaction between the two electrodes, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı explained: "In other words, devices that directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy and store it within themselves are defined as batteries. Different types of batteries with various properties exist on the market. Batteries are divided into two types: wet or dry. In wet cell batteries, the electrolyte is liquid. In dry cell batteries, the electrolyte exists in paste or gel form. Batteries also contain other chemical substances to control the chemical reactions within them. For example, mercury prevents oxidation and self-discharge of the battery." he said.

Batteries are classified according to their charging capability

Noting that it is possible to classify batteries as rechargeable and non-rechargeable, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı stated: "Non-rechargeable zinc batteries are used in low-power devices such as TV remotes and wall clocks. Alkaline batteries are compatible with devices like remotes and clocks as well as cameras, blood pressure monitors and toy cars. Another type of non-rechargeable battery, lithium, is used as memory batteries in computer motherboards, electronic scales, blood sugar measurement devices, water meters, automobile and door remotes." he said. Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı continued: "There are 4 different types of rechargeable batteries. Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are used in cordless drills, cordless vacuum cleaners and emergency lighting panels. Lithium-ion batteries are preferred in mobile phones, laptops and electric vehicles. Lithium polymer batteries are manufactured in custom sizes and used in portable devices such as tablet computers and navigation systems. Nickel-cadmium batteries are preferred in cordless drills, cordless vacuum cleaners and emergency lighting panels."  

They contain heavy metals harmful to the environment

Noting that batteries that have reached the end of their service life or have become unusable due to physical damage are defined as 'waste batteries', Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı stated: "Zinc batteries, lithium-ion batteries and alkaline batteries constitute waste battery types. Batteries, accumulators and cells contain various substances that can be very dangerous for the environment. The vast majority of these consist of heavy metals that harm environmental settings. Heavy metals used in battery composition are generally nickel, cadmium, copper, zinc, cobalt and lead. Most of these metals are harmful to humans, animals and plants. The greatest concern is that these metals or their metabolites may enter the food chain or directly affect human health through water. For this reason, these waste materials are collected separately with great care in developed countries. After being subjected to physical and chemical processes at special waste disposal or treatment facilities, they are reintroduced into the economic cycle for recovery in a manner that will not adversely affect water, soil, air and living environments under healthy environmental conditions. The remaining non-usable portion is stored in healthy, sanitary specialized waste storage facilities." he said.

There are beneficial applications related to recycling

Emphasizing that recycling portable waste batteries has 3 main objectives, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı stated: "These are to protect recipient environments from harmful emissions that could result from waste batteries, prevent heavy metals from mixing into soil or water, and generate economic gain by recovering certain valuable metals contained within batteries. For example, a company in Australia produces fertilizer from waste batteries that can be used for crops. In Europe, stores that sell batteries are required to have recycling boxes for batteries. Customers are encouraged to throw their used batteries into these boxes. This way, most of the consumed batteries can reach recycling centers without mixing with other waste. Recycling methods can be mechanical, hydrometallurgical (chemical/physical) or pyrometallurgical (thermal)." he said.