All types of batteries contain chemicals, such as nickel cadmium, and acids that can do great damage to the environment. When they are introduced into a landfill, the batteries begin to break down and the harmful chemicals seep into the earth and can reach the water supply. Considering just how many tons of batteries are disposed of each year, it’s frightening to think what would happen if more people don’t start recycling.

How Do They Recycle Batteries

When batteries make it to the recycling center, they are sorted based on the types of chemicals that they contain. Those that contain lithium, for example, are placed in one area, while those containing acids or a different chemical are in another. This is because they have different processes to remove these chemicals based on the type of battery undergoing the recycling process.

They remove the combustible materials and the remove the pollutants, which produces clean cells, and metals. They take the metals and melt them, and then can send those metals off to other plants, which can melt them again and then use them in other types of products. Considering the amount of batteries the world goes through each year, this is an effective way of getting more metals for manufacturing without the need to take them from the earth.