Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Process
Collection and Transportation
Used batteries are collected from gathering points (workshops, industries, recycling centers, collection sites) and transported to specialized recycling facilities.
Electrolyte Draining
The electrolyte (sulfuric acid solution) is safely removed. The acid is either neutralized (e.g., with lime), reused, or processed for the production of other products (e.g., sodium sulfate).
Crushing
The batteries are crushed in special mills to separate their components: lead, plastic, paste, and acid.
Material Separation
Through physical and mechanical methods:
The plastic (polypropylene) is separated and reused for manufacturing new battery casings or other products.
The lead is separated into metallic lead and paste (oxides and lead sulfate).
Lead Processing
The paste and metallic lead parts are fed into furnaces to recover pure lead (99.99%). The result is:
Primary lead from metallic elements
Secondary lead from paste after reduction and refining
Residue Management
Secondary by-products (dust, slags, etc.) are further processed or safely disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
Reuse of Materials
Lead is used in the production of new batteries.
Plastic is recycled.
Sulfuric acid is either reused or converted into industrial chemicals.