How to Recycle Industrial Batteries & Power Systems
Large-format batteries from forklifts, backup power systems, telecommunications, and industrial equipment. Contains valuable materials worth $500-2000 per ton including lead, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements. Specialized recycling achieves 95%+ material recovery, preventing toxic metals from environmental release.
- 1Disconnect all electrical connections and remove from equipment safely
- 2Test battery voltage and document specifications (voltage, amp-hours, chemistry type)
- 3Inspect for leaks, cracks, or swelling indicating potential hazards
- 4Secure terminals with non-conductive caps or tape to prevent short circuits
- 5Place batteries on pallets using proper lifting equipment (batteries weigh 100-2000+ lbs)
- 6Keep different battery chemistries separate (lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium)
- 7Document battery age, usage history, and reason for replacement
- 8Store in dry, ventilated area away from heat sources and flammable materials
- 9Arrange specialized transport within 6 months to maintain material value
- Specialized battery recyclers (Johnson Controls, Exide, East Penn)
- Industrial battery distributors with take-back programs
- Hazardous waste management companies (Clean Harbors, Veolia)
- Forklift dealers and service centers
- UPS/backup power system installers
- Telecommunications equipment recyclers
DOT Class 8 hazardous materials requiring specialized transport and handling. Lithium batteries present fire and explosion risks - never damage or puncture. Lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid causing severe burns. Nickel-cadmium batteries contain extremely toxic cadmium requiring RCRA hazardous waste handling.
Contains toxic heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) and corrosive electrolytes causing soil and groundwater contamination. Single battery can contaminate 167,000 gallons of water. However, recycling recovers 99% of lead, 95% of lithium, and valuable rare earth elements, preventing 500,000 tons annually from landfills while supplying 80% of new battery materials.
Accepted
- Forklift and industrial vehicle batteries
- UPS and backup power system batteries
- Telecommunications equipment batteries
- Solar and renewable energy storage batteries
- Golf cart and utility vehicle batteries
- Emergency lighting and alarm system batteries
Not Accepted
- Damaged batteries with visible electrolyte leaks
- Swollen or overheated lithium batteries
- Batteries with unknown chemistry or specifications
- Batteries contaminated with oil or other fluids
- Radioactive batteries from medical or scientific equipment
Estimated value: $500-2000 per ton; lead-acid: $0.15-0.30/lb, lithium-ion: $1-5/lb for valuable chemistries
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Lead and lead compounds (neurotoxic, especially dangerous to children)
- Sulfuric acid electrolyte (corrosive, causes severe chemical burns)
- Cadmium in Ni-Cd batteries (carcinogenic, kidney damage)
- Lithium metal (reactive, fire/explosion hazard)
- Cobalt and nickel (respiratory sensitizers, carcinogens)
How do I identify the battery chemistry type?
Check labels for chemistry codes (Pb for lead-acid, Li-ion, Ni-Cd, etc.), measure voltage (lead-acid: 2V/cell, lithium: 3.6V/cell), and review equipment documentation. When uncertain, professional evaluation is recommended.
Are there safety risks in battery storage?
Yes. Lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen gas (explosion risk), lithium batteries can catch fire if damaged, and all types contain corrosive electrolytes. Store in ventilated, dry areas with spill containment.
Can partially working batteries be recycled for higher value?
Batteries with 70%+ capacity may have refurbishment value vs. recycling. Test capacity before disposal - working batteries command premium prices for reuse markets.
What documentation is needed for battery disposal?
Equipment specifications, battery age and usage history, safety data sheets, waste characterization profiles, and manifests for hazardous waste transport are typically required.
Are there size limits for battery recycling?
Most recyclers handle industrial batteries from 50-5000+ lbs. Very large utility-scale batteries may require on-site disassembly and specialized transport arrangements.
How does lithium battery recycling differ from lead-acid?
Lithium requires specialized high-temperature processing to recover lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Lead-acid uses simpler smelting. Lithium recycling is more complex but increasingly valuable as material demand grows.
Can businesses get paid for recycling industrial batteries?
Yes, especially for lead-acid and high-value lithium chemistries. Clean, large-format batteries often have positive value. Contaminated or mixed chemistry lots may have disposal costs.
What happens to the recovered materials?
Lead becomes new batteries (80% of lead battery content), lithium goes to new battery production, and plastic cases become new products. This closed-loop recycling reduces mining environmental impacts.