Responding to the recycling challenge

Transcription

1 Responding to the recycling challenge Australian Energy Storage conference, 4 June 2015 Helen Lewis Australian Battery Recycling Initiative

2 Effective stewardship of all end-of-life batteries ABRI s vision Safety (zero harm) Product stewardship Recovery at end of life (zero waste) Responsible environmental management

3 Members

4 We cover all battery types Handheld batteries (< 1kg) Automotive batteries Large and industrial batteries Single use Alkaline manganese Zinc carbon Zinc air Silver oxide Manganese dioxide Lithium Rechargeable Lead acid Rechargeable Lead acid Nickel cadmium Nickel metal hydride Lithium ion Lithium polymer Rechargeable Nickel cadmium Nickel metal hydride Lithium ion Lead acid Processed in Australia

5 What we do Advocacy, education, engagement Handheld batteries Automotive and industrial batteries

6 Lead acid batteries Find a recycler Regulations Guidelines

7 Other energy storage batteries Guide to recycling options for energy storage batteries (early draft): rg.au/recycling/energystorage-batteries

8 Recyclability issues Emerging technologies with uncertain recyclability Recyclability is a function of: The value of material components Recycling facilities with the ability to recover value from used batteries Available collection infrastructure Someone willing to pay for recycling (if required), i.e.: o The waste generator (fee for service) OR o The producer (product stewardship fee)

9 It s a question of economics Costs Value

10 It s a question of economics Costs Value Education Fee Reprocessing Sorting Collection Steel, cobalt Zinc, manganese Cadmium, nickel

11 for more information Contact details Helen Lewis Ph.:

12 Recycling lead acid batteries Andy Jackson Director, Lex Enviro Services

13 Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB) in Australia Recent estimates regarding ULAB numbers indicate that there are in excess of 130,000 metric tonnes generated in Australia, per annum. A study commissioned by ABRI at the end of 2010 * calculated that over 120,000 MT were present at that time and that growth was expected at least in line with an average population increase of 1.7% The majority of ULAB is generated by the Automotive industry,( passenger & commercial), along with the Material Handling sector, marine industry and large scale UPS storage. Increasing numbers are being produced from the growth of the domestic and commercial energy storage market. ULAB are sourced from Manufacturers, Agents, Wholesale rs, Retailers, Scrap Metal Dealers, Workshops, Landfill stations, Council clean-up and private individuals. * Analysis of Battery Consumption, Recycling and Disposal in Australia WARNKEN INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL ECOLOGY PTY LTD (WARNKEN ISE)

14 Current recycling capacity is covered domestically by six facility s across Australia with three lead smelting operations serving the domestic and overseas market for secondary lead products.

15 Process ULAB processing is based on a Hydro separation principle, whole un-drained batteries are crushed by hammer mill and component parts are separated.

16 Process Up to 98% of a lead acid battery can be recycled and the acid solution neutralised and treated or re-used in other commercial process. The three main products recovered from the ULAB is lead grid, lead paste and polypropylene chips from the broken casings. A typical recovery model is as follows: Lead Grid up to 30%. Lead Paste up to 40% Plastic (PP chips) > 6%

17 for more information Contact details Andy Jackson M: E:

18 Responsible recycling: issues to consider Will LeMessurier Director, MRI (Aust) Pty Ltd

19 Practical Issues- in situ Check -for damaged or leaking batteries Power is it disconnected Identify Battery type/chemistry- do not assume Check manufacturers for correct disposal Wiring- Is it disconnected or carrying a charge Domestic installation - consider children

20 X Practical Issues- Transport Packaging re use new packaging- must meet minimum guidelines see ABRI website Damage or leaking batteries- use haz mat container Ensure Transport Licenced EPA/DG Is EPA Waste Transport Certificate (WTC) required Aggregation Points- ask question on licencing Interstate movements will require WTC Export must be exported under Dept. of Environment permit Do not mix different DG classes Insurance X

21 Practical Issues OH&S- SHEQ Lethal Charge -assume they do Training Don t trust verbal statements undertake due diligence Comply -with regulations and latest available information on website(s) Cables - Do not cut without taking adequate precautions Disposal only used legal disposal Dumping- is illegal and can lead penalties Incorrect disposal will contaminate the environment

22 Practical issues- Price/Service Quotes from contractor Quotes to customers If UNLAB -a recycle fee for proper disposal Ensure correct transport is included in quote(s) Licences check and ask Paperwork is issued correctly Request a Recycling /Destruction Certificate

23 Other issues Do your research the buck may stop with you There is a range of information to assist you on the ABRI website There is Australian Standard(s) planned for Energy storage be familiar with them Above all else BE SAFE

24 for more information Contact details Will LeMessurier MRI (Aust) Pty Ltd Ph.:

25 Sam Behrens, Research Group Leader CSIRO Energy Flagship

26 Panel discussion / Q&A