Experts state that batteries used in electronic devices and vehicles are divided into two types: rechargeable and non-rechargeable, and that batteries that have completed their lifespan or become unusable due to physical damage are defined as 'waste batteries'. Emphasizing that accumulators, batteries, and cells contain various substances that can be very dangerous for the environment, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı points out that heavy metals used in battery composition harm humans, animals, and plants. Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı states that waste batteries are recycled to protect receiving environments from harmful emissions, prevent heavy metals from mixing with soil or water, and create economic gain by recycling some valuable metals within them.
Batteries that have completed their lifespan should be recycled!
Üsküdar University, Assistant Professor Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı, Vice Head of the English Chemistry Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences; shared important information about the usage areas of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, the environmental effects of substances in batteries, and recycling methods.
Mercury prevents battery discharge
Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı stated that batteries consist of a negative electrode (anode), a positive electrode (cathode), and an electrolyte that provides a chemical reaction between the two electrodes, “In other words, devices that directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy and store it are defined as batteries. Batteries with different properties are available in the market. Batteries are divided into wet or dry types. In wet-cell batteries, the electrolyte is liquid. In dry-cell batteries, the electrolyte is in paste or gel form. Batteries also contain other chemical substances to control the chemical reactions within them. For example, mercury prevents corrosion and self-discharge of the battery.”
Batteries are divided into two types according to their rechargeability
Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı stated that it is possible to classify batteries as rechargeable and non-rechargeable, “Non-rechargeable zinc batteries are used in low-power devices such as TV remotes and wall clocks. Alkaline batteries are compatible with devices like cameras, blood pressure monitors, and toy cars, as well as remotes and clocks. Lithium, another type of battery that does not have rechargeability, is used as memory batteries in computer motherboards, in electronic scales, blood glucose meters, water meters, and car and door remotes.”
Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı continued:
“There are 4 different types of rechargeable batteries. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-Mh) batteries are used in cordless drills, handheld vacuum cleaners, and emergency lighting panels. Lithium-Ion batteries are preferred in mobile phones, laptop computers, and electric cars. Lithium polymer batteries are produced and used in special sizes for portable devices such as tablet computers and navigation systems. Nickel-cadmium batteries are preferred in cordless drills, handheld vacuum cleaners, and emergency lighting panels.”
They contain heavy metals harmful to the environment
Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı stated that batteries that have completed their lifespan or have become unusable due to physical damage are defined as 'Waste Batteries', “Zinc batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and alkaline batteries constitute the types of waste batteries. Accumulators, batteries, and cells contain various substances that can be very dangerous for the environment. The vast majority of these consist of heavy metals that harm environmental media. Heavy metals used in battery composition are generally nickel, cadmium, copper, zinc, cobalt, and lead. Most of these metals are harmful to humans, animals, and plants. The biggest concern is that these metals or their metabolites enter the food chain or directly affect human health through water. For this reason, these mentioned wastes are collected with great care and separately in developed countries. After being subjected to physical and chemical processes in special waste removal or processing centers, they are re-introduced into the economic cycle to be recovered in healthy environmental conditions in a way that will not adversely affect water, soil, air, and living environments. The remaining useless part is stored in healthy, technical special waste disposal sites.”
There are useful applications related to recycling
Emphasizing that the recycling of portable waste batteries has 3 main objectives, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı said, “These are to protect receiving environments from harmful emissions that may arise from waste batteries, to prevent heavy metals from mixing with soil or water, and to create economic gain by recycling some valuable metals within the batteries. For example, a company in Australia produces fertilizer from waste batteries that can be used for crops. In Europe, stores selling batteries are also obliged to provide a recycling box for batteries. Customers are encouraged to dispose of used batteries in these boxes. In this way, most of the consumed batteries can reach recycling centers without mixing with other waste. Recycling methods can be mechanical, hydrometallurgical (chemical/physical), or pyrometallurgical (thermal).”