With the advent of ubiquitous electric portable gadgets and vehicles, the utility of lithium-ion batteries has gained explosive potential. Resultantly the success of the li-batteries paved the need for the appropriate choice of lithium ion battery disposal concerning environment and nature. To reduce the pile of trash and batteries recycling is the only measure available. The benefits of the process of recycling are immense and needful. These batteries are generally used as a major component in phones, laptops, chargers, consumer electronics, tablets etc.
The advent of technology has made lithium batteries popular due to their benefits as a long-time performer, great energy potential, low rates of self-discharging, fast rate of charging etc. in electrical gadgets and equipment. Industrial analysts view that on average more than 10 million metric tons of these batteries will be using the near future. The disposal of the same environmental substances tends to have negative effects on the environment. Stupid environment from pollution and to protect the wildlife some negative impact recycling of these batteries have become the necessity. Here, we will look at the benefits of recycling the same is the best choice to store and use batteries increasing the service life of the batteries.
Construction: A brief view
Mainly made from four crucial parts- an anode and cathode ray tubes and electrolyte and separator the lithium battery is used by manufacturers as a valued solvent binder similar to NMP for processing the respective electrodes. The cathode works as a positive electrode and forms the base source of lithium ion in the battery while the anode forms the negative part of the electrolyte. The electrolyte is composed of additives, salts and solvents to facilitate the flow of ions. The last part i.e. separator acts as a materialistic obstacle separating the cathode and anode tubes.
A detailed look at the benefits of recycling Li-ion batteries
- Tendencies to cut off piling wastes
Cutting off piling wastes is the need for environmental sustainability. From the viewpoint of the same environmental experts are suggesting recycling is the best available option. Recycling of batteries helps in the better utilisation of expensive metals and swapping of the same with cheap nickel and cobalt.
- Prevention is better than exceeded limits
In lithium batteries, there are high concentrations of chemicals such as manganese, cobalt, lithium, and nickel exceed the limits of the enriched ore extractions. Recycling aims at the extraction of these from the used batteries resulting in the similar quality and reliability as that obtained naturally. Thus, wastage of time, money and resources is reduced resulting in sustainable development services. This is also helpful in cutting off the quantity of industrial poisonous waste from the landscapes.
- Meeting challenges as per the market and product soldiers
Due to the increase in utility of the same and advancement of technology illegal practice as mining, environmental consequences, confusion, aggressive conflicts etc. are on a hike. The recycling procedure cut off the dependency on the respective elements improving the quality and durability of the demand and supply chain and thus reducing the human interferences and impact of the charged ions on the environment.
- Recovering exhaustible resources
Recovering exhaustible resources is understood as a crucial feature of the process. The elements and metals such as cadmium, nickel, cobalt, lithium etc. are not abundant in nature/the planet. Therefore, to use them sustainably is the need of the hour. Though not renewable but these are recyclable. If once dumped these cannot be used further but instead are recycled these main always true to be economical in use.
- Saved environment
Recycling these batteries no doubt saves the environment by preventing harmful chemicals and compounds from reaching nature. If such waste is disposed of untreated then the results/impact would be disastrous. The poisonous and toxic components can reach the water bodies or soil or air and pollute the environment drastically. Hence the process of recycling is not only economical but also environmentally friendly.
- Insured safety of one and all
The increase in the number of lithium batteries used and the untreated or unsecured disposal of the same may lead to disastrous explosions and fires. Appropriate choice of storage, disposal and recycling are extremely important in the context of minimizing the risks. Also, the minor button cells precisely are even more dangerous as these can be inhaled by kids or animals. Therefore, instead of being dumped on land areas or in regular trash bins, these should be collected at recycling points.
Reaping benefits of recycling li-ion battery stands unmatched in the context of safety and security of individuals, society and even the planet as a whole. Various retailers and recycling units have been set up nowadays to cope with the waste in the form of batteries.
Precautions to be ensured in the recycling of the batteries
- Removal of the defective battery from the device should be attempted only if it is safe. If unsafe then the complete unit should be recycled.
- The defective batteries should be stored using an anti-static bag.
- The container should be stored in a cool and moisture-free storage space to prevent any outbreak of fire.
- The delivery should be ensured by a certified recycling team to be sure of safe handling of the risky materials.
- It is advisable to cap off the connectors that remain exposed.
- The damaged or defective lithium batteries should not be thrown in the regular trash bin.
- Never try to puncture/crush the defective batteries as that result in leakages.
- These should not even be stored near flammable materials.
- Never store these in great quantities.
The li ion battery recycling has been seen as the best alternative to switch over to sustainable development. The nearby recycling point in the context can be searched on the web. The retailers or recycling units are set up for recycling the batteries in large quantities that are disposed of by big industries. For these no number is large. EV battery recycling has always been a call of concern. Now with the changing times, recycling ventures have been adopted to sort a solution in the field.
