Are Used Lithium Batteries Recyclable?

Batteries are considered hazardous because of the metals and other toxic materials they contain. Most batteries are put into rubbish bins and then taken to landfill sites where they decay and leak. 

But did you know that batteries are potentially a valuable source of recyclable metal? Each battery placed in a recycling bin will be taken apart and the materials will be used to make something new!

In this article, we discuss what lithium-ion batteries are and where to recycle them (safely).

What are Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Lithium is a highly reactive element, thus, a lot of energy can be stored in its atomic bonds. Lithium-ion batteries work by using the transfer of lithium ions and electrons from the anode to the cathode. These batteries have higher energies than batteries made from other materials, such as zinc.

Lithium-ion batteries are common in many daily products like wireless headphones, electric toothbrushes, smart watches, game controllers, electric bikes, smoke detectors, and many more. Beyond consumer gadgets, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly used in military applications, such as weapon systems and thermal imagers, thanks to their high energy density.

Furthermore, the electrodes of lithium-ion batteries are comprised of lightweight lithium and carbon, making them lighter than comparable-sized rechargeable batteries of other kinds.

Are Lithium Batteries Recyclable?

Yes. Lithium-ion batteries are recyclable!

Unfortunately, only around 5% of lithium-ion batteries end up in recycling. Most are simply thrown away in the garbage, but this can have toxic consequences for the environment and our communities.

When thrown in household trash, batteries end up in landfills. Chemicals leak into the soil and enter our water source when the battery casing corrodes. These chemicals and toxic metals have even been shown to cause cancer.

So, before you toss lithium-ion batteries in the trash, consider recycling! Recycling lithium your batteries is a smart way to prevent toxic waste from improper battery disposal.

Why You Should Recycle Lithium Batteries

There are a variety of reasons why recycling lithium batteries are good for the planet and economy. So, why exactly should we recycle lithium batteries?

1. To lessen the need for raw materials

The materials used to make lithium batteries could be re-used to make new batteries, which may result in lower manufacturing costs. Further, battery production relies on materials, most of which are rare and expensive to mine. By recycling used batteries, we can reduce the need to collect new raw materials and conserve valuable resources.

2. To provide a safe solution for used batteries

By recycling, we provide a safe solution for used batteries. In a landfill, damaged or overheated lithium batteries carry the risk of exploding or catching fire. If left around the house, button cells, which are found in many toys and common household items, are a toxic hazard to pets and children. Battery recycling offers a safe and environmentally-responsible solution for end-of-life batteries.

3. To remove toxic waste from landfill

Beyond potential economic benefits, recycling could reduce the quantity of material going into landfills. Metals found in batteries such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and others can easily escape through the casing of buried batteries and pollute groundwater and soil, endangering ecosystems and human health.

Where to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries

Recycling helps not just one individual but an entire community. It allows the reuse of those materials that would otherwise be discarded after being used. It helps to sustain our planet for the generations to come and carry us to a sustainable future. It’s never too late to do your part!

Here, we have put together 5 locations near Seattle, Washington where you can recycle lithium-ion batteries.

Living Green Technology

Living Green Technology is a Seattle-based IT asset disposition and electronics recycling company specializing in the safe disposal, resale, and re-marketing of telecommunications and IT equipment in the Pacific Northwest. Our services include IT asset disposition, electronics recycling, and hard drive shredding.

Location: 720 Pike Street NW Suite 4, Seattle, WA

Website: https://www.livinggreentechnology.org 

Contact: 253 204 4438

Email: info@livinggreentechnology.org

Total Reclaim, Inc.

Total Reclaim can recycle batteries of all shapes, sizes, chemistries, and volumes. They know the laws, the process, and most importantly, how to reduce your liability and administrative costs. Total Reclaim prides itself on working with talented specialists in the hazardous materials recycling field.

Location: 1915 S Corgiat Dr.Seattle, WA 98108

Website: https://www.totalreclaim.com

Contact: 206 343 1247

Friendly Earth International Inc.

Friendly Earth recycling center offers a convenient drop-off site in their Seattle, Washington location for e-waste as well as electronic equipment, including computers, mobile phones, iPhones, servers, and computer screens for all businesses and residential clients. Friendly Earth International is an eWaste, electronic recycler for businesses, schools, non-profit organizations, or government institutions looking to retire a large volume of computer equipment, databases, or IT infrastructure or assets.

Location: 1560 1st Ave S. Seattle, WA 98134

Website: https://friendlyearth.org 

Contact: 206 367 4111

Email: recycle@friendlyearth.org

West Seattle Recycling

West Seattle Recycling provides exceptional recycling service for Seattle since 1979. They ask that material brought into the recycling center be sorted and free of contaminants. Some of the recyclables they buy are aluminum cans, non-ferrous metals (copper, radiators, stainless steel), and car batteries.

Location: 3881 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Website: https://www.westseattlerecycling.com 

Contact: 206 935 4255

Email: info@westseattlerecycling.com

Pacific Iron

Pacific Iron’s main goal is to ensure that scrap metal avoids our waste stream, and they create the path for scrap metals to be remade into usable metal once again. Their recycling operation preserves our limited natural resources by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and saving the amount of energy required to manufacture the products people buy and use every day.

Location: 2230 4th Avenue South, Seattle, Washington 98134

Website: https://www.paciron.com

Contact: 206 628 6232

Email: pacificiron@paciron.com

Recycle Lithium Batteries Near Seattle, WA

Recycling lithium batteries can give the most important components of lithium batteries — cathode and anode — a second life, which could significantly reduce the energy, waste, and expenses related to producing them. 

Make sure to check out Living Green Technology, one of the best places to recycle lithium batteries near Seattle, Washington. Recycling is ecological, and we must recycle for a better future!