Battery Recycling Center
Recycle Your Batteries the Right Way
DTG Recycle has Battery Recycling Centers all over Washington State. We accept batteries for a nominal charge. You may also drop off your old batteries at specific locations. Contact us for a price quote for battery recycling.
Let’s find out at the things you should avoid when preparing your batteries for recycling, the proper way of disposal, and its recycling process.
At DTG Recycle, we have been providing battery recycling services since 1999. Our company provides a hassle-free way of recycling batteries at competitive pricing just for you.
How to Prepare Batteries for Recycling?
Different types of batteries require different preparation steps before they can be safely and efficiently recycled. Here are some guidelines for preparing the most common types of batteries for recycling.
- Lead-Acid Batteries
- Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling lead-acid batteries.
- Disconnect the battery from the device or vehicle and remove any plastic or rubber covers.
- Clean the battery case with a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize any acid residue.
- Store the battery upright in a plastic or non-conductive container.
- Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
- Tape over the terminals with non-conductive tape to prevent short circuits.
- Place the batteries in a sturdy plastic or non-conductive container.
- Keep NiCd and NiMH batteries separate from each other and from other types of batteries.
- Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries
Li-ion batteries can pose a fire hazard if not handled properly, so it is important to take extra precautions.
- Tape over the terminals with non-conductive tape to prevent short circuits.
- Store the batteries in a sturdy plastic or non-conductive container, ideally in individual bags or containers to prevent contact with other batteries or metal objects.
- Avoid exposing Li-ion batteries to heat, as this can increase the risk of fire or explosion.
- Avoid recycling a Li-ion battery that is damaged, swollen, or overheated. Contact a qualified professional for proper disposal.
- Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries can typically be safely disposed of in the regular trash bin in most areas, but they can also be recycled in some regions.
- Tape over the terminals with non-conductive tape to prevent short circuits.
- Store the batteries in a sturdy plastic or non-conductive container.
What are the Things to Avoid When Preparing Batteries for Recycling?
When preparing batteries for recycling, there are several things to avoid to ensure the safety of both the person handling the batteries and the recycling process itself. Here are some things to avoid when preparing batteries for recycling.
- Do not attempt to dismantle or crush batteries yourself – This can release hazardous materials and cause fires or explosions. Leave the dismantling and crushing to trained professionals.
- Do not expose batteries to extreme temperatures – Heat can cause batteries to rupture, leak, or even explode. Store batteries in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
- Do not store batteries in metal containers – This can cause batteries to short-circuit and potentially cause fires or explosions. Always store batteries in non-conductive containers.
- Do not mix different types of batteries – Different types of batteries have different chemistries and handling requirements. Mixing batteries can cause a hazardous reaction or make them difficult to recycle.
- Do not dispose of batteries in the regular trash bin – Batteries contain hazardous materials and heavy metals that can harm the environment and human health. Always recycle batteries through a reputable recycling program.
- Do not transport damaged or swollen batteries – Damaged or swollen batteries can pose a fire or explosion risk. Contact a qualified professional for proper disposal of damaged batteries.
How to Dispose of Batteries for Recycling?
Avoid placing single-use or rechargeable batteries in your regular recycling bin. Instead, they should be taken to a designated recycling facility where they can be properly dismantled and sorted. It is advisable to locate a specialized recycling center in your county. Contact the facility to confirm that they accept the specific type of batteries you have. Once you have identified a suitable recycling facility, make sure to prepare your batteries for recycling.
Here are the steps to take for disposing of single-use batteries.
- Bag or tape your batteries – To minimize the risk of fire hazards, use clear, non-conductive tape to securely cover both ends of each battery, preventing any residual discharge. Alternatively, you can place each battery in its own plastic bag.
- Store batteries in a non-conductive container – Place the wrapped batteries in a plastic container or cardboard box. Avoid using a metal box, as it can potentially cause sparks and lead to a fire.
Here are the steps to take for rechargeable battery disposal.
- Take old batteries out of electronics – When disposing of old electronics that contain rechargeable batteries, it is crucial to remove the batteries beforehand. Ensure that the electronics are recycled separately.
- Tape or bag your batteries – To prepare the batteries for recycling, follow the same guidelines as for single-use batteries by either taping or bagging them securely.
Once your batteries are safe for transport, you can take them to the nearest specialized recycling center. It is recommended to drop them off within six months of taping or bagging them to minimize any potential hazards.
How are Batteries Recycled?
Are you wondering how batteries are recycled? The following steps explain the process on how recycling companies recycle batteries.
1. Collecting Used Batteries
Collecting used batteries for recycling is an important step in ensuring that they are properly disposed of and recycled. Here are some tips on how to collect used batteries for recycling.
- Identify collection points – Find out where you can drop off used batteries for recycling. Many retailers and local recycling centers accept batteries for recycling.
- Separate by type – Sort the batteries by type to ensure that they are recycled correctly. Different types of batteries have different recycling processes and requirements.
- Store properly – Store used batteries in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in a loose or in metal containers, as this can cause short-circuiting and potential hazards.
- Check for damage – Inspect the batteries for damage, such as swelling or leaks. Do not transport or store damaged batteries, as they can pose a fire or explosion risk.
- Bag or box batteries – Place the batteries in a plastic bag or container to prevent them from touching and potentially short-circuiting. Label the bag or container as “used batteries” to avoid confusion with new batteries.
- Transport safely – When transporting the batteries to the collection point, make sure they are securely packed to prevent damage and potential hazards.
2. Sorting
The sorting process of recycling batteries is an important step to ensure that the batteries are processed in the most efficient and environmentally-friendly manner. Here are the steps involved in the sorting process.
- Identification – The first step in sorting batteries for recycling is to identify the type of battery. There are many different types of batteries, such as lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, and others. Each type has different chemical components and requires different recycling processes.
- Sorting by chemistry – After identifying the type of battery, it is then sorted by its chemistry. This is important because different chemistries require different recycling processes. For example, lithium-ion batteries contain valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, while lead-acid batteries contain lead and sulphuric acid. Sorting by chemistry ensures that each battery is processed correctly and that valuable materials are recovered.
- Separation of components – Once the batteries are sorted by type and chemistry, they are separated into their various components. This may involve breaking down the battery using mechanical means, such as shredding or hammer milling, to separate the plastic, metal, and other components.
3. Removing Combustible Materials
Removing combustible materials from recycled batteries is an important step in the recycling process, as it helps to prevent fires and explosions during storage, transportation, and processing. Here are some common combustible materials that are removed from recycled batteries.
- Plastics – Many batteries contain plastic components, such as battery casings or insulators, that can melt or catch fire if exposed to high temperatures. These plastics are typically removed and separated from other materials during the sorting process.
- Paper – Some batteries contain paper or cardboard packaging, which can ignite and cause fires. These materials are also removed during the sorting process.
- Other organic materials – Batteries may also contain other organic materials, such as rubber or fabric, which can combust when exposed to heat or flames.
Once these combustible materials are removed, the remaining battery components can be processed for recycling. It’s important to note that removal of combustible materials is just one part of the overall safety and environmental measures taken during battery recycling.
4. Cutting into Small Pieces and Heating
Cutting batteries into small pieces and heating them is a common method used in battery recycling, particularly for certain types of batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. Here’s a general overview of the process.
- Cutting the batteries – The batteries are first cut into small pieces using a mechanical shredder or hammer mill. This helps to break down the battery into smaller components and separate the different materials.
- Heating the materials – After cutting the batteries, the materials are then heated to break down the chemical components. The temperature and duration of the heating process depend on the type of battery and the recycling process being used.
- Recovering valuable materials – The heated materials are then processed to recover valuable metals such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium. This may involve using chemical processes such as leaching or precipitation to extract the metals from the materials.
- Disposing of hazardous materials – Any hazardous materials that remain after the recycling process, such as lithium or other toxic chemicals, are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner to prevent contamination.
Why Recycle Batteries?
Here are the reasons to recycle batteries.
- Helps to protect the environment by preventing toxic chemicals from entering the soil, water, and air
- Conserves natural resources by recovering valuable materials that can be reused in new products
- Provides economic benefits by creating jobs in the recycling industry and generating revenue from the sale of recovered materials
- Promotes sustainable development and protects our planet for future generations
Statistics on Battery Recycling
95% of lithium-ion battery components are recyclable
Used lithium-ion batteries are increasing by 20% annually and may reach 136,000 tonnes by 2036. About 95% of lithium-ion battery components can be recycled and utilized to make new batteries or used in other industries. 1 Lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other metals used in lithium-ion batteries retain their value after the battery has reached its end of life, enabling recycling centers to recover and repurpose them.
Lead-acid car batteries have a recycling rate of nearly 100%
Lead, which makes up around 60% of the weight of lead-acid car batteries, is easily separated from the other components during recycling. Due to this, lead-acid car batteries has an impressive recycling rate of nearly 100%. 2 This makes lead-acid car batteries have the highest recycling rate in contrast with other recyclable materials in the United States.
Need a Quote? Contact Us for Battery Recycling Prices
Get a quote for your battery recycling needs, contact us today at (425) 549-4905. Our team at DTG Recycle is happy to cater to all of your battery recycling requirements. Whether you require car battery recycling services, recycling lithium batteries, lithium ion battery recycling, or battery recycling drop-offs, we are committed to providing our customers with affordable and personalized recycling solutions that meet their unique requirements.
Battery Recycling Drop-off Locations
DTG Recycle has Battery Recycling Centers near you.
Our Locations:
FAQs for Battery Recycling Service
Where can I recycle old batteries?
Do not put batteries in the trash bin. Instead, make an effort to send them to specialized battery recyclers or retailers that offer takeback services. Alternatively, you can explore other options by reaching out to your local program that handles hazardous materials.
Can I make money by recycling batteries?
The amount you can derive from your old batteries varies based on their type and quantity. Certain types of batteries contain materials that still hold market value, allowing you to monetize them. After the weight of your used batteries is verified, you can receive the corresponding payment.
How is a lithium-ion battery recycled?
The recycling process for lithium-ion batteries typically involves 6 main steps.
- Collecting Used Lithium-Ion Batteries and Sorting – Used lithium-ion batteries are collected and sorted according to type and chemistry.
- Neutralizing – The batteries are drained of any remaining electrolyte, which is typically a flammable liquid that can be hazardous if not handled properly. The electrolyte is neutralized and treated to ensure that it doesn’t pose a hazard to the environment.
- Dismantling – The batteries are dismantled, and the different components are separated. The outer casing, wiring, and other non-metallic components are removed and recycled separately.
- Shredding – The battery cells are shredded into small pieces, exposing the metals inside.
- Recovering the Metals – The metal pieces are heated and melted down to separate the different metals, such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium. These metals can be reused in the production of new batteries or other products.
- Refining – The recovered metals are further refined to remove any impurities and ensure that they meet the necessary quality standards for reuse.
How are lead acid batteries recycled?
Lead acid batteries are one of the most commonly recycled batteries due to the high lead content they contain. The lead acid battery recycling process typically involves the following steps.
- Collecting Used Lead Acid Batteries – Used lead acid batteries are collected from various sources, including automobile repair shops, recycling centers, and collection sites.
- Sorting – The batteries are sorted according to type and condition.
- Draining – The batteries are drained of any remaining sulphuric acid, which is neutralized and treated to ensure that it doesn’t pose a hazard to the environment.
- Breaking and Crushing – The batteries are broken apart into small pieces, which are then crushed into a powder.
- Separating – The lead and plastic components are separated using a variety of techniques, such as flotation or hydrocycloning. The lead is melted down and purified, while the plastic is cleaned and prepared for reuse.
- Refining – The lead is further refined to remove any impurities and ensure that it meets the necessary quality standards for reuse.
- Reusing – The lead is used to make new batteries, while the plastic is used in a variety of products, such as new battery cases or other plastic products.
How does alkaline battery recycling work?
Alkaline battery recycling involves the 7 primary steps.
- Collecting Used Alkaline Batteries – Used alkaline batteries are collected from various sources, such as homes, businesses, and recycling centers.
- Sorting – The batteries are sorted by type and condition.
- Crushing – The batteries are crushed, and the materials are separated into three components: metal, paper, and plastic. The metal component contains zinc, manganese dioxide, and steel.
- Separating Using a Magnet – The steel components are separated from the other materials using a magnet.
- Chemical Leaching – The metal components are then treated with a chemical solution to extract the zinc and manganese dioxide. The solution is then filtered and treated to remove any impurities.
- Electrowinning – The extracted zinc is then purified using an electrowinning process, which involves passing an electric current through the solution to separate the zinc from the other metals.
- Refining – The zinc is further refined and processed into new products, such as zinc-carbon batteries or galvanized steel.
Can you put batteries in the recycle bin?
In general, it is not recommended to dump used batteries in your regular recycling bin because they can be a fire hazard and contaminate other materials in the bin. Instead, it is recommended to take used batteries to a designated battery recycling drop-off location or transport it to a battery recycling center in your local area. Many retailers, such as electronics stores and big box stores, have designated drop-off locations for batteries.
What products are made from recycled batteries?
The products that can be made from recycled batteries depend on the type of battery that is being recycled. Here are some examples.
- Lead acid batteries – The lead recovered from the recycling process can be used to make new lead acid batteries, as well as other products, such as radiation shielding, weights, and ballasts.
- Lithium-ion batteries – The materials recovered from recycling lithium-ion batteries, such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, can be used to make new batteries, as well as other products, such as stainless steel, ceramics, and glass.
- Nickel-cadmium batteries – The materials recovered from recycling nickel-cadmium batteries, such as nickel and cadmium, can be used to make new batteries, as well as other products, such as stainless steel, coatings, and pigments.
- Alkaline batteries – The materials recovered from recycling alkaline batteries, such as zinc and manganese dioxide, can be used to make new batteries, as well as other products, such as fertilizer, paint, and pharmaceuticals.
Can electric car batteries be recycled?
Yes, electric car batteries can be recycled. Electric car batteries are usually made of lithium-ion cells, which contain materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. The recycling process for electric car batteries involves disassembling the battery pack, crushing and shredding the lithium-ion cells, and separating the materials using a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. The recovered materials can then be used to make new batteries, as well as other products, such as stainless steel, ceramics, and glass.
Can lithium car batteries be recycled?
Yes, lithium car batteries can be recycled. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric cars, contain materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper that can be recovered through recycling.
As electric cars become more common, the demand for battery recycling is expected to increase. However, there are still many technical and economic challenges to be overcome in order to develop effective recycling processes for lithium car batteries.
References
1 Lithium-ion battery recycling – CSIRO. Retrieved June 19, 2023, from https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/energy/energy-in-the-circular-economy/battery-recycling
2 It’s time to get serious about recycling lithium-ion batteries. Retrieved June 19, 2023, from https://cen.acs.org/materials/energy-storage/time-serious-recycling-lithium/97/i28