The discovery of potential environmental and human health effects from disposal of millions of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries each year has led scientists to recommend stronger government policies to encourage recovery, recycling and reuse of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery materials.
That’s the conclusion of a new paper in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Global Li-on battery sales are estimated to be headed for $8billion annually. The sheer number of lithium batteries in use coupled with their short life-span (2-4 years) in portable electronic devices means they are now making a sizeable contribution to the electronic waste problem, which already is the fastest growing form of solid waste.
Trials have been carried out to see whether potentially toxic materials leach out and become a health and environmental threat after disposal.
Using standardised leaching tests, hazard assessment models and other methods for evaluating hazardous waste, the scientists showed that Li-ion batteries from cell phones would be classified as hazardous waste because of lead content.
Indeed in the US state of California, such batteries also would be classified because of their cobalt, copper and nickel content.
“These findings support the need for stronger government policy at the local, national, and international levels to encourage recovery, recycling, and reuse of lithium battery materials,” the report states.
