RECYCLING PROCESS

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BATTERIES ARE RECYCLED

After batteries are collected, they are sorted into their types and components and sent to licensed recycling facilities in Australia for processing.  Recycling battery components is a complex and expensive process due to the chemistry involved.

When lead acid batteries are recycled, the lead plates are restored back to new battery standards, the sulphuric acid is converted to sodium sulphate and used in laundry detergent and fertiliser, and the plastic casing is broken down into pellets and made into new battery containers, bins, and plant pots.

The nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion components in rechargeable batteries can also be recycled.
The recovered metals are made into other products, while the cadmium can be returned to battery manufacturers to create a fully closed loop recycling system.