From waste to wealth: The economics of battery refurbishing
A significant factor contributing to the increase in waste is the improper disposal of batteries. Up to half of all batteries wind up in the informal economy, where unregulated and frequently illegal recycling activities crack open battery cases, releasing lead and acid dust onto the ground, according to UNICEF. When batteries are discarded and burned in incinerators, harmful substances are released into the air. Similarly, burying batteries in landfills results in the leakage of hazardous materials into the soil, groundwater and surface water.
Furthermore, the disposal of plastic waste, landfills and lead smelting all produce methane gas, contributing to the «greenhouse effect» and other global climatic changes. A viable option to address battery disposal concerns is the refurbishment of batteries. This process involves converting lead sulfate crystals back into active material, offering the battery a second opportunity to regain its original capacity. This not only enhances the battery's performance but also ensures it is safe for the environment.
Battery refurbishment: Need of the hour Environment-friendly in nature: Toxins are discharged into the atmosphere when batteries are disposed of in the environment. They also find their way into the ground, soil and surface water through landfills, where they are burned in combustors. Carbon dioxide emissions from the production of a single battery can range from 2400 kg (almost 2.5 metric tons) to 16,000 kg (16 metric tons), according to the MIT Climate Portal. This
