Why are hybrid batteries not recyclable?
November 8, 2009 in Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Did you know that you can save fuel and run your car on water
Wolf Harper asked:
I keep hearing Answerers say that hybrid batteries are not recyclable.
Why do you say that stuff? Can you back it up with actual proof?
The small lead-acid batteries now used in cars are already 100% recyclable (right here in the USA) . They use acid, which is more toxic than the alkaline electrolytes used in more modern batteries. They also use lead, which is a very cheap metal, and yet a $5 core charge is justified on these. Whereas these new batteries have nickel, lithium and other valuables, and as a result they will probably have a core closer to $300.
Did you know that you can save fuel and run your car on water
i thought that they where and i agree i dont see why they wouldnt be and id bet money that someone somewhere in the USA does recycle them because yes like you said lots of money in those batteries
It may be just a matter of semantics. “Can’t be recycled” may just mean “can’t be recycled using the current processes.”
Lead acid batteries have been around for a long time. We have had time to figure out how to extract everything from the batteries and have found the means to make the process economically feasible.
These new batteries won’t simply go into the existing infrastructure. The same people will probably process them but it may take a different machine, a different chemistry or process. Even if they are not initially recycled they will be stored until a recycling market and infrastructure is made to mine this gold.
I heard that they get sent to places like Tailand where they are taken apart by hand.
Perhaps some of the current batteries are NiMH. A wiki article says that Standard Oil (the “energy company” in their tv ads) is blocking production of NiMH.
, search for NiMH.
Otherwise, I’m with you in believing that batteries, certainly LA, are recyclable. I don’t know much about recycling Lithium batteries but, given their cost, you can count on someone making sure they can recycle.
They can be recycled. Here’s a link to the company that does it.
The batteries can be recycled. You all know if there is a buck to be made. An American businessman. Is not going to miss out on it.
If they were recyclable that would negate their argument that hybrid cars are worse for the environment than hummers. Can’t have facts standing in the way of their beliefs.
They can be recycled by specific companies, not your standard recycling center.