Lead Acid Battery Recycling
At LA Recycling, we are committed to providing safe, legal, and environmentally sustainable solutions for the disposal of lead acid batteries. We ensure the maximum recovery of valuable materials while protecting the environment and complying with all relevant regulations.
Why Recycle Lead Acid Batteries?
Environmental Protection
Lead acid batteries contain hazardous materials, including lead (of course!) and sulfuric acid, which can cause significant environmental damage if not disposed of correctly. Recycling these batteries prevents toxic substances from contaminating soil and water, protecting ecosystems and public health.
Resource Recovery
Recycling lead acid batteries allows us to recover valuable materials such as lead, plastic, and sulfuric acid. These materials can be reused in the production of new batteries and other products, reducing the need for virgin raw materials and supporting a circular economy. Additionally, the recovery of lead oxide and its reuse in various industrial applications further enhances the sustainability of the recycling process.
Regulatory Compliance
Proper disposal of lead acid batteries is mandated by law. Our recycling processes ensure compliance with local and national regulations, including the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and other environmental standards.
Our Comprehensive Recycling Process
01.
Drop-off
LA Recycling is proudly based in Biggleswade, a town strategically positioned along the A1. This location provides excellent connectivity and accessibility. Deliver your batteries to us here where we’ll get to work on them in our 20,000 sq. ft. processing facility.
02.
Battery Breakdown
The process begins with carefully sorting and preparing the batteries for recycling. The first step in the recycling process is to break down the batteries into pieces. This is done using a hammer mill, which crushes the batteries into small pieces. The crushed material is then separated into different components:
- Lead: The lead components, including grids and plates, are separated and cleaned for further processing.
- Plastic: The plastic cases are sorted and sent to a plastic recycling facility.
- Acid: The sulfuric acid is neutralised and processed for safe disposal or reuse.
03.
Lead Recovery
The lead recovered from the batteries is melted in high-temperature furnaces to remove impurities. The molten lead is then poured into moulds to form ingots. These ingots are used to manufacture new lead acid batteries and other lead products. The purification process ensures that the recovered lead meets the required quality standards for reuse.
04.
Plastic Recycling
The plastic components of the batteries, typically made from polypropylene, are cleaned, melted, and extruded into small pellets. These pellets are then sold to manufacturers who use them to produce new battery cases and other plastic products. This process not only reduces waste but also supports the production of new goods from recycled materials.
05.
Acid Treatment
The battery acid, specifically sulfuric acid, recovered from the batteries can be processed in two ways:
- Neutralisation: The acid is neutralised with an industrial compound, turning it into water that can be safely released into the sewer system after treatment and testing.
- Plastic: The acid is converted into sodium sulphate, an odourless white powder used in various industries, including detergent manufacturing and glass production.
Benefits of Our Recycling Services
By choosing LA Recycling, you are contributing to a more sustainable future. The recycling processes minimises the environmental impact of lead acid batteries and promotes the reuse of valuable materials. This reduces the demand for virgin raw materials and helps conserve natural resources. The lead plates from used lead acid batteries are melted and reused in various other applications, further enhancing the recycling process.
We adhere to the highest standards of environmental compliance and safety. Our processes are fully compliant with WEEE directives and other relevant regulations. We provide full traceability and documentation for all recycling activities, ensuring that you meet your regulatory obligations.
Our efficient recycling processes allow us to provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or environmental responsibility.
With years of experience in the recycling industry, our team of experts is equipped to handle all aspects of lead acid battery recycling. We provide reliable and professional services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your batteries are disposed of safely and efficiently.
Our lead acid battery recycling services are suitable for a wide range of clients, including:
- Uninterruptible Power Supply’s (UPS): Data Centers, Financial Institutions Government Agencies, Manufacturing Plants and many others where a continuous power supply is critical. The lead acid batteries from UPS systems need to be recycled properly to prevent environmental damage and recover valuable materials.
- Automotive Industry: Car manufacturers, dealerships, and repair shops.
- Renewable Energy Sector: Companies using batteries for solar and wind energy storage.
- Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and medical facilities with backup power systems.
- Telecommunications: Companies maintaining backup power for communication networks.
- Manufacturers: Industries using lead acid batteries in various applications.
- Local Authorities: Municipalities managing household battery collections.
- Battery Retailers: Businesses involved in trading and selling scrap batteries, including scrap metal merchants, End of Life Vehicle (ELV) operators, and waste contractors.