Responding to the recycling challenge
Australian Energy Storage conference, 4 June 2015
Helen Lewis Australian Battery Recycling Initiative
ABRI’s vision
Effective stewardship of all end-of-life batteries
Product stewardship
Safety (zero harm)
Responsible environmental management
Recovery at end of life
(zero waste)
We cover all battery types
Handheld batteries (< 1kg)
Single use
•Alkaline manganese
•Zinc carbon
•Zinc air
•Silver oxide
•Manganese dioxide
•Lithium
Rechargeable
•Nickel cadmium
•Nickel metal hydride
•Lithium ion
• Lead acid
Automotive batteries
Rechargeable
• Lead acid
Large and industrial batteries
Rechargeable
• Lead acid
• Nickel cadmium •Nickel metal hydride
•Lithium ion
•Lithium polymer
Processed in
Australia
Advocacy, education, engagement
• Handheld batteries
• Automotive and industrial batteries
What we do
Other energy storage batteries
Guide to recycling
options for energy
storage batteries (early
draft):
www.batteryrecycling.o
rg.au/recycling/energy-
storage-batteries
Recyclability issues
• Emerging technologies with uncertain recyclability
• ‘Recyclability’ is a function of:
− The value of material components
− Recycling facilities with the ability to recover value from used batteries
− Available collection infrastructure
− Someone willing to pay for recycling (if required), i.e.:
o The waste generator (fee for service) OR
o The producer (product stewardship fee)
It’s a question of economics
Costs Value
Cadmium, nickel
Zinc, manganese
Steel, cobalt
Fee
Collection
Sorting
Reprocessing
Education
for more information
Contact details
Helen Lewis
Ph.: 0419 010 158
Email: [email protected]
www.batteryrecycling.org.au
Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB) in Australia
• Recent estimates regarding ULAB numbers indicate that there are in excess
of 130,000 metric tonnes generated in Australia, per annum. A study
commissioned by ABRI at the end of 2010 * calculated that over 120,000
MT were present at that time and that growth was expected at least in line
with an average population increase of 1.7%
• The majority of ULAB is generated by the Automotive industry ,( passenger &
commercial), along with the Material Handling sector , marine industry and
large scale UPS storage. Increasing numbers are being produced from the
growth of the domestic and commercial energy storage market.
• ULAB are sourced from Manufacturers, Agents, Wholesale rs, Retailers,
Scrap Metal Dealers, Workshops, Landfill stations, Council clean-up and
private individuals.
* Analysis of Battery Consumption, Recycling and Disposal in Australia WARNKEN INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL
ECOLOGY PTY LTD (WARNKEN ISE)
Current recycling capacity is covered domestically by six facility’s across Australia with three
lead smelting operations serving the domestic and overseas market for secondary lead
products.
Process
• ULAB processing is based on a Hydro separation principle, whole un-drained
batteries are crushed by hammer mill and component parts are separated.
Process
Up to 98% of a lead acid battery can be recycled and the acid solution neutralised
and treated or re-used in other commercial process. The three main products
recovered from the ULAB is lead grid, lead paste and polypropylene chips from the
broken casings. A typical recovery model is as follows:
Lead Grid up to 30% . Lead Paste up to 40% Plastic (PP chips) > 6%
Practical Issues- in situ
• Check -for damaged or leaking batteries
• Power – is it disconnected
• Identify Battery type/chemistry- do not assume
• Check manufacturers for correct disposal
• Wiring- Is it disconnected or carrying a charge
• Domestic installation - consider children
Practical Issues- Transport
• Packaging – re use new packaging- must meet minimum guidelines
see ABRI website www.batteryrecycling.org.au
• Damage or leaking batteries- use haz mat container
• Ensure Transport Licenced– EPA/DG
• Is EPA Waste Transport Certificate (WTC) required
• Aggregation Points- ask question on licencing
• Interstate movements – will require WTC
• Export – must be exported under Dept. of Environment permit
• Do not mix – different DG classes
• Insurance
X
X
Practical Issues – OH&S- SHEQ
• Lethal Charge -assume they do
• Training
• Don’t trust verbal statements undertake due diligence
• Comply -with regulations and latest available information on website(s)
• Cables - Do not cut without taking adequate precautions
• Disposal –only used legal disposal
• Dumping- is illegal and can lead penalties
• Incorrect disposal will contaminate the environment
Practical issues- Price/Service
• Quotes from contractor
• Quotes to customers
• If UNLAB -a recycle fee for proper disposal
• Ensure correct transport is included in quote(s)
• Licences –check and ask
• Paperwork – is issued correctly
• Request a Recycling /Destruction Certificate
Other issues
• Do your research the buck may stop with you
• There is a range of information to assist you on the ABRI website
www.batteryrecycling.org.au
• There is Australian Standard(s) planned for Energy storage be familiar
with them
• Above all else BE SAFE
for more information
Contact details
Will LeMessurier
MRI (Aust) Pty Ltd
Ph.: 0419 302 682
Email: [email protected]
www.mri.com.au