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People have often taken the invention of batteries for granted, failing to realize the threat unrecycled batteries poses to the environment.
It is important that batteries are properly disposed in order to prevent the health and ecological risks it might deliver. Though the recycling processes overlap many similarities, batteries are sorted out and recycled based on its composition and the potential hazard it delivers.

Recycling Batteries: The Basics

The process begins by sorting the batteries based on its chemistries. With most recycling facilities, a thermal oxidizer is first used to remove combustible substances such as plastic and insulation. It is then neutralize of the pollutants created during this process thereby leaving the metal body of the battery (Buchmann, n.d.). The metallic cells are cut into smaller pieces and heated until the metal liquefies. Non-metallic matters are burned, which leaves a black substance to float around the working area that eventually be removed (Buchmann, n.d.). Chemicals are neutralized which makes it more than safe to be deposited into the water system. The metals recycled are then collected and sent to factories which can be used to make new batteries.

How Stuff Works presents a wonderful video showing a detailed process of recycling batteries.

Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal-Hydride and Lithium Ion Batteries

These batteries are prominently used in motorized equipments, power tools, medical instruments, and toys. If not properly disposed, it can dissolve itself into the environment and the chemical substances can assimilate into our water supply and cause health problems (Buchmann, n.d.). Nickel Cadmium is recycled through High-Temperature Metal Reclamation (HTMR) process where the metals needing high temperature to melt are fed in the furnace, which solidifies the materials.

Car Batteries

A typical lead-acid automotive battery undergoes more steps to its recycling process. It starts by placing the batteries into a machine called the hammermill, which crushes the batteries into small nickel-sized pieces (How Car Batteries are Recycled, n.d.). The pieces are placed in a reservoir which causes the lead to sink, the rubber and plastic to float, and the battery acid to go into a solution which neutralizes it. The material are then separated and treated individually (How Car Batteries are Recycled, n.d. ). The lead and plastic are melted separately, its impurities taken out, and moulded for future usage.

Button Cells Batteries

Button cells containing mercury are often processed using a vacuum-thermal treatment in which the mercury vaporizes and eventually solidifies when temperatures are reduced (Nevison, 2010).

Alkaline/Zinc Carbon/Zinc Air Batteries

These batteries are placed in furnaces to melt. The zinc are burned off and placed in a vacuumed container to be used in the future. The metal products are used to make low end metal products(End Sites Recycling Processes, n.d.).

Lithium Batteries

These are one of the most environmentally friendly batteries since it contains no cadmium or mercury. After being shredded into pieces, they portions are sank into a basic solution that balances the pH of the material. The carbon is collected and pressed into sheets. The lithium is transformed into a white powder called lithium carbonate used to make metal and foil for the batteries (End Sites Recycling Processes, n.d.).

Mercury Batteries

Mercury Batteries are recycled using controlled temperature. Because of the extreme environmental hazard it poses, the Mercury-Containing Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1966 lessened its use in the industry. They were the ideal battery for watches, calculators, and hearing aids (End Sites Recycling Processes, n.d.).

In conclusion, it is extremely important to put the effort to recycle used batteries. Many stores such as Ikea, Tiger Direct, most hardware stores and almost all battery suppliers supply disposal boxes for battery recycling. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is also promoting the Call2Recycle program which offers 30,000 recycling drop off points in North America.

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For years, battery manufacturers have been developing ways to make their products more environmentally friendly.
Companies look for alternatives to the harmful substances used today. However, that strategy will take decades to commercialize; producing batteries that are stronger and more efficient seems the best option.
Presently, researchers are exploring “bio-batteries”, using substances made from living organisms to power objects.
Read more

In 2007, Sony developed a “bio battery” that generates electricity from sugar. This discovery uses carbohydrates and enzymes to generate power and has a maximum output of 50 milliwatts,giving it the capability to power a walkman. This has set path in turning to abundant living organisms to reduce toxic waste produced by batteries. (Sugar fuelled battery..,2007)

A recent development by a research team in Aarhus University in Denmark creates a bacteria colony that reacts with mud and seawater to generate electricity. The bacteria colony works by having contact on top with oxygen while the bottom contacts the organic material. Because both layers are somehow connected in the process, the bottom layer that produces electrons are transported to the top layers therefore reacting with oxygen. Scientists are trying to harvest the nanowire network that these bacteria creates to potentially developing a living biogeobattery (Anupanm, 2010).

Meanwhile, scientists at the University of Leicester are looking for ways to replace harmful, carcinogenic, toxic acids and electrolytes currently and widely used in many commercial metal finishing and energy storage processes (University of Leicester, 2010). So far they have developed ionic liquid solvents that are non-toxic as an alternative to dangerous solutions. Karl Ryder, a senior lecturer at the University who oversees the project explains, “One of our aims is to improve the working environment for people within the manufacturing industry by replacing unpleasant acids or caustic processes with ionic liquids. The user experience is very similar for both and no additional equipment or training is required, but the user benefits from a more pleasant and safer working environment." (University of Leicester, 2010). The team of researchers received a €1 million funding distributed between several major projects.

One project called POLYZION was to develop an eco-friendly and affordable rechargeable battery for electric vehicles. It is designed to be sustainable, having light-weight characteristics as opposed to existing batteries that use heavy, expensive materials that can be harmful to the environment (University of Leicester, 2010).

Additionally, MIT researches are developing ways to manufacture liquid metal batteries made using earth-abundant elements. A big issue scientists faced in an attempt to develop eco-friendly batteries is the high cost of the material. MIT attempts to tackle this problem by using substances that are plentiful. As a result, the research team developed a small battery made from antimony and magnesium in between an electrolyte. As for now, the battery is not beneficial to small devices, but researchers continue to develop the product to a larger scale (Anupam, 2010 March 19).

Moreover, leading battery producers such as Fuji created the EnviroMAX batteries last year that do not contain ingredients harmful to the environment such as cadmium and mercury. They are packaged with recycled paper and PET plastic which makes the products degradable where they can be disposed normally. This decreases the costs incurred from recycling batteries (Hanlon, 2009).

Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd. Created a new Lithium-ion battery designed for automobiles. This new product has more capacity up to 25 Ah that is about 5 times more than its predecessors. It produces energy of up to 120 Wh/kg and power density of 2,400 W/kg. It further provides heat-resistant features preventing internal short circuits and increasing safety (Madan, 2010).

The market today focuses on the emerging green market. Companies spend millions on the research and innovation sector to develop methods of increasing efficiency to reduce waste, or finding abundant alternatives to current methods. Many have succeeded, but may take time until the developments are released to the masses. Nevertheless, the decision remains in the hands of consumers to persistently push towards the eco-friendly movement.

…to boost our technical knowledge

Batteries are a frequently used commodity in all households.  Since they can be expensive, users have developed methods of prolonging their life.  Techniques such as freezing batteries to recharging non reusable alkaline batteries have been undertaken. But are those methods reliable?  Read on to discover the truth behind the battery myths.

      TRUE.
      Experiments show that alkaline batteries at room temperature self discharges at about less than 2 % per year.  Storing them in the freezer will prolong their life, but only for a small amount.  However batteries still discharge at a quicker rate in hot temperatures.  Therefore, it is wise to store your batteries in a cooler area during the hot summer days (Battery Myths vs. Battery Facts, n.a.).
 
 

Lithium batteries are prevalent in society.  Used in various personal digital assistant devices, including cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras, they dominate the technology industry since their introduction in the 1990s.  Lithium-ion presents many advantages particularly its low weight, and high energy density which offers several opportunities for superior capabilities (Buchmann, n.d.).  Researcher from the Sandia National Laboratories’ Power Sources Technology Group declares, “lithium-ion battery has four times the energy density of lead-acid batteries and two to three times the energy density of nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries” (Sandia National Laboratories, 2006). Little to no maintenance is required for these batteries, which is also low on toxicity, unlike lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries (Buchmann, n.d.). 

      However, there are limitations to lithium-ion batteries, most especially its tendency to overheat and explode which poses safety concerns to many.  In the summer of 2006, a massive recall of laptop batteries was announced by Dell, Apple Computers, Toshiba and Lenovo. In October of the same year, Sony announced a large-scale recall, stating that the overheated batteries can cause burns, explosions, or a fire (Wilson, n.d.)  

Solution

      Researchers have since been developing methods to address the safety concerns posed by Lithium-ion batteries.   Battery manufacturers have accomplished the solution to the problem by integrating a series of methods of protection.  These consist of limiting the amount of active material to achieve a balance between a decent amount of energy density and safety, and including various safety protections within the cell (Buchmann, n.d.).  These safety mechanisms include a device implemented in the cell to prevent high current surges, where the circuit interrupt device (CID) opens an electrical path if an extremely high charge raises the internal cell pressure (Buchmann, n.d.).  Other companies have started using thermal regulation, where the charger would detect abnormal heating to either cease the charging or cool it down.

      Furthermore, ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) which is Taiwan’s largest hi-tech research and development institution, recently introduced STOBA (self-terminated oligomers with hyper-branched architecture), which highly advances the safety of Li-ion batteries (Buckley, 2009).  It was created by implementing a nano-grade polymer which creates a protective film around the Li-ion battery, and locks the system when the battery encounters excessive heat, external impact or piercing and interrupts the electrical and chemical action, thereby preventing explosions that affect consumer safety.  In addition, STOBA also extends the life of Li-ion batteries by about 20%, due to a stabilizing film (Buckley, 2009).   

      Further studies theorize that batteries composed of Lithium nickel nitride (LiNiN) as opposed to ion, are more efficient and are less likely to overheat (American Chemical Society, 2008).  Argonne National Laboratory researchers moreover believe that Lithium-air batteries are the next substitute to gasoline in the future of transportation.  Li-air batteries use catalytic air cathode that supplies oxygen, an electrolyte, and a lithium anode (Argonne National Laboratory, 2009). These researchers also say that, "The technology has the potential to store almost as much energy as a tank of gasoline, and will have a capacity for energy storage that is five to 10 times greater than that of Li-ion batteries, a bridge technology." (Argonne National Laboratory, 2009). Nevertheless, despite the breakthrough, it is still a long process until the system is refined enough to achieve the safety standards it requires in order to be introduced to the public.

      Since it was introduced commercially, Lithium-ion batteries have improved immensely.  Companies have taken drastic measures to ensure it is now safer than ever before.  Many have done extensive research to increase its capabilities, and develop new technologies with the help of pre existing ones. Lithium-ion is indeed, the future of modern technology.  

References 

American Chemical Society (2008, February 27). New Electrodes May Provide Safer, More Powerful

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Batteries. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 21, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225092402.htm 

Buchmann, I. (n.d.). Is Lithium-ion the ideal Battery? Battery University.com. Retrieved March 20, 2010, from http://www.batteryuniversity.com/partone-5.htm. 

Buckley, P. (2009, December 11). ITRI Material improves Li-ion Battery Safety. EE Times.com. Retrieved March 20, 2010 from http://www.eetimes.com/rss/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=221700016&cid=RSSfeed_eetimes_newsRSSDOE/Argonne National Laboratory (2009, December 31). Lithium-air batteries could displace gasoline in future cars. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 21, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091230024401.htm 

Sandia National Laboratories (2006, January 19). Sandia Researchers Seek Ways To Make Lithium-ion Batteries Work Longer, Safer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 21, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2006/01/060118094512.htm 

Wilson, T. (n.d.). What causes laptop batteries to overheat? How Stuff Works.com. Retrieved March 20, 2010, from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/dell-battery-fire.htm. 

Consumers constantly search for resources that possess a longer life span, increased capacity, and greater convenience, all at a lower cost.  They utilize various tactics to efficiently harness energy; from purchasing hybrid automotives, to installing solar and wind panels in their homes.  The problem with such strategies is they do not collectively perform the three criteria people look for: the ability to deliver power in an instant, the capacity to store large amounts of energy, and the opportunity to provide a low cost service to consumers.  More often than not, one criterion is missing, or is not performing at its full competency.

    To resolve this issue, researchers from around the world have been continuously developing a new method of storing energy that will be much more efficient than the current systems of energy storage.  Professor Rubloff of the Materials and Engineering Department at the University of Maryland, and a researcher at the Maryland NanoCenter explains that:

    The goal for electrical energy storage systems is to simultaneously achieve high power and high energy density to enable the devices to hold large amounts of energy, to deliver that energy at high power, and to recharge rapidly… (University of Maryland, 2009).

    This results in the creation of nanotech batteries, capable of storing energy 10 times more than traditional batteries sold on the market, without needing to consume a high amount of power.  It was constructed by creating millions of identical nanostructures designed to swiftly transport energy from one conductor to the next (University of Maryland, 2009).

    The research team further explains that there are 3 categories for electrical storage devices.  The first include batteries, mainly lithium ion which can store large amounts of energy, but is unable to neither rapidly exert energy nor quickly recharge.  The next are electrochemical capacitors which are able to harness large amounts of power and quickly recharge, but are incapable of operating for a longer period of time (University of Maryland, 2009).  Nanotech batteries, on the other hand, are capable of massive storage, rapid flow of energy, and can endure a lengthy usage period.

    This technological advancement will improve people’s lives as it further conveniences their interaction with modern technology.  People will now be able to use portable devices such as laptops, mp3s and cell phones for a much longer timeframe.  A past research at Stanford University hypothesizes a laptop can run for about 20 hours with nanowire battery (Stober, 2007). 

    Further current research from Stanford University resulted in the ability to create lightweight, bendable batteries out of paper (Gaudin, 2009). The Stanford team created the batteries using a sheet of paper and covering it with ink made out of carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires.  Various tests show that even if the paper is crumpled, folded, or soaked in acidic solution; it will still work (Gaudin, 2009).  Although Stanford did not declare when it will be made available to consumers, additional research could result in hybrid cars being generated by nanobatteries (Gaudin, 2009). 

    “These devices exploit unique combinations of materials, processes, and structures to optimize both energy and power density — combinations that, taken together, have real promise for building a viable next-generation technology, and around it, a vital new sector of the tech economy.” Professor Rubloff adds.

    The emergence of nanotechnology and its introduction to the commercial world will surely revolutionize the social and economic, technology-dependent world.

   References

    * Gaudin, S. (2009, Dec 21). Nanotech Creates Batteries Out of Paper. Computerworld. Retrieved
      February 16, 2010, from http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/330588/
      nanotech_creates_batteries_paper/.

Stober, D. (2007, Dec 18). Nanowire battery can hold 10 times the charge of existing lithium-ion battery.

      Stanford News. Retrieved February 16, 2010, from http://news.stanford.edu/news/2008/january9/nanowire-010908.html

    * University of Maryland, College Park (2009, March 22). Nanotech Batteries For A New Energy Future.  

      ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 16, 2010, from
     http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320173859.htm

Like the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” But does helping the environment by properly disposing hazardous materials have to put local suppliers at a risk of going out of business? 

BBM Battery of Mississauga is concerned as a new law is created that could drastically affect their business. The battery company has been successfully operating since 1994 with locations both in Mississauga, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York.  

Many may be unaware, but starting January 1, 2010, the Ministry of Environment is charging fees for all batteries imported and sold in Ontario. The fees are made towards the recycling and disposal of batteries as part of the Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste Program (MHSW). It is funded by Stewardship Ontario, and administered by Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO).  The fees charged will help in alleviating some of the cost associated with the MHSW. This includes batteries that weigh less than 5kg, and other household items such as paint, fertilizers, pressurized containers such as propane tanks, pesticides, etc… (Consolidated MHSW Program, n.d.). 

The Problem

What seemed to be an environmentally friendly idea, is in reality affecting neighboring battery suppliers. They are now forced to increase prices on the items in order to cover the cost imposed by the Ministry of Environment. John Shoreman, President of BBM Battery says, “this could in effect double the price we would have to charge to the end user." (personal communication, January 30, 2010). Consequently, this could decrease demands for their products, and possibly put these local suppliers out of business.

Fees range from $0.41/kg for single-use Alkaline to $0.71/kg Lithium Metal. As for rechargeable batteries, fees can be start from $0.71 /kg to as high as $6.15 for small sealed lead acid batteries. Local suppliers would have to pay the fee if the batteries ordered are less than 5 kg. Another example include an SLA battery 12V7Ah with a weight of 2.5 kg and a recycling fee of $15.38 will be added (Final Consolidated MHSW Plan Volume I, 2009).

Batteries that fall under this category are consumer-type portable batteries that weigh equal to, or less than 5 kg, and are those usually used in consumer households and IC&I applications. Some examples of these battery chemistries are Alkaline-manganese, zinc-carbon, silver oxide, nickel cadium, lithium ion, and small sealed lead acid (Final Consolidated MHSW Plan Volume II, 2009).

On the other hand, buyers will now turn to another alternative where it would be financially reasonable to purchase new batteries instead of putting them to recycle. The internet plays the antagonist in providing consumers with an escape route from the rising prices. Shoreman states, “Adding to this problem is the fact that given todays global economy - where product can be bought via a click of a mouse…….someone situated in Winnipeg, Buffalo or Hull Quebec - would not need to pay the levy - thereby making Ontario vendors uncompetitive.” (personal communication, January 30, 2010).

By combining the convenience of the Web and the natural human behavior, the new law could potentially produce more waste. The President of BBM explains, “… [Batteries] are already the most successfully recycled product. Who would replace a UPS, hand drill, or hand vacuum if the cost of replacing the batteries was more than the initial cost of the product?" (personal communication, January 30, 2010). 

The Solution

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp (RBRC) is a non-profit organization responsible for operating the Call2Recycle program, the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection in North America (Call2Recycle Welcomes you, 2010). The Call2Recycle program has already 2000 collection sites in Ontario, and has operated since 1990 (Moorhouse, Oct 2009). They work with thousands of business, communities and retailers, and has recycled about 125 tonnes of rechargeable batteries in Ontario in 2008 (Moorhouse, Aug 2009)

During the past summer, they submitted an alternative proposal to the ministry of environment and to the Waste Diversion of Ontario to consider their rechargeable collection program instead. In return, this will illiminate or decrease the fees placed on the local suppliers.  With no extra costs, neighboring distributors would not have to worry rising prices and declining consumer demands. The extra waste produced from customers buying new batteries would also no longer be a problem. Over 90% of the Ontario battery market signed on the proposal (Moorhouse, Aug 2009).

The RBRC proposal can be viewed at :

 References

Call2Recycle Welcomes you. (2010). Call2Recycle.
Retrieved Jan 26, 2010, from http://www.call2recycle.org/about-us.php?c=149&d=243&w=9&r=Y.

Consolidated MHSW Program. (n.d.). Stewardship Ontario.
Retrieved January 27, 2010, from http://www.stewardshipontario.ca/cmhsw/materials/materials.html.

Final Consolidated Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste Program Plan Volume I. (2009, July 30).
Ontario: Stewardship Ontario. Retrieved Jan 27, 2010, from http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/er/documents/2009/010-7325.pdf.

Final Consolidated Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste Program Plan Volume I: Material Specific Plans. (2009, July 30). Ontario: Stewardship Ontario. Retrieved Jan 27, 2010, from  http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/er/documents/2009/010-7325%202.pdf.

Moorhouse, E. (2009, Oct 10). Battery recycling doesn’t always make sense. Your Home.ca.
Retrived  Jan 27, 2010, from http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/green/article/707109–battery-recycling-doesn-t-always-make-sense.
       
Moorhouse, E. (2009, Aug 15). Trash Talk: Spent batteries pose heavy problem.
The Toronto Star on the Web. Retrieved Jan 25, 2010, from http://www.thestar.com/article/680423.