Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling

The Importance of Lithium-ion Car Batteries Recycling

California currently boasts a staggering count of over 400,000 zero emission vehicles cruising its roads, with this number steadily rising.

The lifespan of the batteries utilized in these vehicles typically spans from 10 to 20 years.

It's important to note that all batteries inherently comprise metals and various hazardous or corrosive substances. Moreover, these batteries possess a potentially substantial value as a recyclable metal source.

As the lithium-ion batteries powering electric cars eventually reach their end-of-life stage, it becomes crucial to handle their disposal in a manner that prioritizes public safety and environmental well-being.

Image source: California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan, California Air Resources Board

Why Choose Surplus Service for your EV Battery Disposal

Surplus Service and CalEPA Lithium-ion Car Battery Recycling Advisory Group

Surplus Service was one of a handful of leading industry experts appointed to the CalEPA Lithium-Ion Battery Advisory Group.

The group was formed in 2019 to make recommendations to the California State Legislative on policies relating to the recovery and recycling of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles throughout the state and to act as a roadmap for other states to follow.

This work is espcially important considering the huge growth in the sales of electric vehicles in California.

Battery Types Accepted

Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries

Accepted throughout the US.

• Lithium-Ion
• Nickel-Metal Hydride
  

Battery Solutions we offer...

The issues related to battery disposal

Many e-scrap recycling facilities face a hazardous scenario as a result of the daily influx of lithium-ion batteries that they receive, therefore they must be ready. Safeguarding employees and averting fires depend on proper battery removal and sorting.

The employees at an e-scrap site may still take precautions to stop a devastating fire even if the batteries are degraded and start to experience thermal runaway. One way to respond appropriately is to fully comprehend what is occurring inside the battery.

To avoid short circuits, which might cause a heat incident, all lithium-ion batteries should be packed. Use electrical non-conductive tape to cover exposed battery terminals to prevent short circuits, and use inner packaging to keep batteries from touching one another. Additionally, when utilizing inner packing material, make sure cushioning material that is electrically non-conductive and non-combustible covers the empty areas between the batteries. By making sure the packages are fastened to a pallet, handlers can reduce the chance that these batteries shifting and igniting.

Battery Safety

In the event that a fire does develop, it is crucial to practice putting out lithium-ion fires.

The emotional centers of the brain will take control and guide the response from the “fight or flight” part of the brain if preparation and thoughtful consideration of how to react to a lithium-ion battery fire—and, more significantly, why they need to behave this way—are lacking.

Because it is what they have been taught since they were young, the majority of individuals are likely to respond in this situation using a Class ABC or Class D fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers, however, should not be used to put out a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery.

Water, especially in big quantities, is the extinguishing agent that is most easily accessible.

The necessity to cool a lithium-ion battery is due to the fact that heat triggers the thermal runaway process, which eventually causes a fire.

• At around 266 degrees Fahrenheit, the electrolyte ignites and flames develop.
  
• At roughly 360 degrees Fahrenheit, if the heat builds up, the aluminum in the cathode material starts to deteriorate and release oxygen, escalating the fire.

Lithium-ion batteries may burn at around 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit if left uncontrolled.

Don't Take The Risk

With these issues in mind we strongly recommend that you work with a certified, experienced ewaste management company to handle the disposal of EV Lithium Ion batteries.