The lead-acid industry has launched a campaign to educate battery collectors, handlers and sorters across Europe and North America of the threat posed when lithium-ion batteries are mixed with lead-acid in the smelting process.
Mixing the two chemistries during the recycling process, especially when going through the crusher, increases the risk of fire and has been known to cause explosions in plants.
Led by the International Lead Association (ILA), the industry’s recycling and battery associations have worked collaboratively to address the issue.
Mark Thorsby, Executive Vice President of Battery Council International, said: “There is no product in the world that is recycled more than lead batteries. But the introduction of lithium-ion batteries into the lead battery-recycling stream threatens our track record.
“Keeping lithium-ion batteries out of the used lead battery waste stream will significantly reduce the likelihood of an explosion or fire that may injure someone or result in serious property damage.”