How Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Recycled.

Photo Fanny Haga

Lithium Ion Battery Recycling Steps

Recycling lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion batteries) is an important step in preserving the environment and conserving resources. Here are the steps for how to recycle Li-ion batteries:

1. Sort and store: The first step in recycling Li-ion batteries is to sort them by type and store them properly. It’s important to keep different types of batteries separate to ensure that they can be recycled safely and efficiently.
2. Disassemble: The batteries are then disassembled to remove any non-metallic components, such as plastics and insulators, which can be recycled separately.
3. Shredding: The remaining metallic parts of the batteries are then shredded into small pieces to make it easier to separate the different metals.
4. Separation: The shredded battery pieces are then passed through a series of processes, such as smelting and electrostatic separation, to separate the different metals contained in the battery.
5. Refining: The separated metals are then sent to a refinery where they are processed and refined to remove impurities.
6. Reuse: Refined metals can then be used to make new batteries and other products.
7. Proper disposal: It is important to properly dispose of any non-recyclable parts of the batteries such as plastics and insulators, to avoid any potential environmental hazard.

It’s important to note that not all facilities have the capability to recycle lithium-ion batteries, Recover ensures that all the batteries we collect are recycled and disposed of correctly and in a manner that maximises eco-conscious sustainability.

Recycling lithium-ion batteries not only preserves resources but also helps to prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. It’s essential to recycle Li-ion batteries properly to ensure that they are handled safely and responsibly

There are several types of lithium-ion batteries

(Li-ion batteries), each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Some of the most common types include:

1. Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2): These batteries have a high energy density and are commonly used in portable electronics, such as laptops and smartphones.
2. Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4): These batteries have a relatively low energy density but are more stable and have a longer lifespan than LiCoO2 batteries. They are often used in power tools and electric vehicles.
3. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): These batteries have a lower energy density than LiCoO2 and LiMn2O4 batteries, but they are safer and have a longer lifespan. They are commonly used in electric vehicles, electric bicycles, and large-scale energy storage systems.
4. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NCM): These batteries have a high energy density and are commonly used in electric vehicles and other high-power applications.
5. Lithium Titanate (Li4Ti5O12): These batteries have a very low energy density but have a high power density and can be charged and discharged very quickly. They are often used in high-power applications, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
6. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC): These batteries have a high energy density and are commonly used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and portable electronic devices.
7. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA): These batteries have a high energy density and are commonly used in electric vehicles and other high-power applications.

Li-ion batteries are used in a wide range of applications, from portable electronic devices to electric vehicles. The choice of Li-ion battery type will depend on the specific application and the requirements of energy density, power density, safety, and longevity.

Each li-ion battery type has a preferred method of recycling, Recover ensures that the batteries we collect adhere to the various requirements.

How is each type of lithium-ion battery is recycled?

Recycling different types of lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion batteries) requires different processes and methods, depending on the type of chemistry used in the battery. Here is an overview of the recycling process for each common type of Li-ion battery:

1. Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2): These batteries are recycled by extracting the cobalt and lithium through a process of pyrometallurgy. The cobalt is then used to make new batteries, while the lithium is used in other industries.
2. Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4): These batteries are recycled by extracting the manganese and lithium through a process of hydrometallurgy. The manganese is then used to make new batteries, while the lithium is used in other industries.
3. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): These batteries are recycled by extracting the iron and lithium through a process of hydrometallurgy. The iron is then used to make new batteries, while the lithium is used in other industries.
4. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NCM): These batteries are recycled by extracting the nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium through a process of pyrometallurgy. The metals are then used to make new batteries, while the lithium is used in other industries.
5. Lithium Titanate (Li4Ti5O12): These batteries are recycled by extracting the titanium and lithium through a process of hydrometallurgy. The titanium is then used to make new batteries, while the lithium is used in other industries.
6. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC): These batteries are recycled by extracting the nickel, manganese, cobalt, and lithium through a process of pyrometallurgy. The metals are then used to make new batteries, while the lithium is used in other industries.
7. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA): These batteries are recycled by extracting the nickel, cobalt, aluminum, and lithium through a process of pyrometallurgy. The metals are then used to make new batteries, while the lithium is used in other industries.

It’s important to note that not all Li-ion batteries can be recycled easily and not all recycling facilities have the capability to recycle all types of Li-ion batteries, this is where Recover makes life easy as we handle all the ins and outs of recycling.

Recover also properly disposes of any non-recyclable parts of the batteries such as plastics and insulators, to avoid any potential environmental hazard.

In summary, recycling lithium-ion batteries is not a straightforward exercise, Recover is striving to make this process simple for individuals and businesses across the UK for a brighter, more sustainable future.