This document provides an overview of battery recycling programs in several countries. It analyzes the battery recycling efforts of China, the USA, Belgium, and Australia. China lacks strong governmental support and public awareness. The USA has stringent legislation and public participation, but weak government support. Belgium has highly efficient collection networks and strong governmental/retailer support. Australia lacks relevant legislation and has initial recycling programs. Key factors for successful programs include supportive governments, education, legislation, management, and recycling technology. Singapore previously had some collection efforts but poor response. A local company has an innovative lead-acid battery reconditioning process.

1. A Detailed Study on Battery Recycling
Programmes in other Countries.
By:
Lim Zhong Yan 0521170
Lin Shan 0514600
Tay Jing Yun 0520434

3. Overview
Battery Recycling Programmes in other
Countries.
 Importance of battery recycling
 Case study on programmes in other countries
 Formulate a suitable program to
implement in Singapore

4. Classification of Batteries
Batteries
Primary Secondary
• Alkaline
Manganese
• Zinc Carbon
• Button
• Lead Acid
•Nickel Cadmium
•Nickel Metal
Hydride
•Lithium Ion

5. Primary Batteries
Alkaline Manganese

6. Primary Batteries (Cont’d)
Zinc Carbon

7. Primary Batteries (Cont’d)
Button cells

8. Secondary Batteries
Lead Acid

9. Secondary Batteries (Cont’d)
Nickel Cadmium

10. Secondary Batteries (Cont’d)
Nickel Metal Hydride

11. Secondary Batteries (Cont’d)
Lithium Ion

12. Demand for Primary Batteries

13. Demand for Secondary Batteries

14. Impacts of Improper Battery Disposal
 Mercury
 Cadmium
 Lead

15. Impacts of Improper Battery Disposal
Mercury
Dumping of mercury
compounds in Minamata
Bay, Japan, polluting the bay
in 1932–1968.
Since 1992, Singapore
banned mercury in batteries
with concentrations more
than 0.025%.

16. Impacts of Improper Battery Disposal
Cadmium
 Cadmium is known to cause cancer
 Inhalation of cadmium-containing fumes
can result initially in metal fume fever
but may progress to chemical
pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and
death.
 NEA have already controlled the types
of consumer batteries allowed to be
sold.

17. Impacts of Improper Battery Disposal
Lead Acid Contamination
Haina, Dominican Republic
 Toxic fumes produced
were over the limits
 Improper
decommissioning of
recycling plant
 91% of 147 children had
lead poisoning

18. Impacts of Improper Battery Disposal
Lead Acid Contamination
La Oroya, Peru
 Heavy lead mining and
smelting
 High risk of developing
lung cancer as well as
other respiratory
ailments, skin
conditions, and
digestive disorders.

19. Impacts of Improper Battery Disposal
Lead Acid Contamination
La Oroya, Peru (cont’d)
 Report done in 1999
showed out of 147 children,
99% had lead poisoning.
 Doe Run is the main driver
of the local economy and
hence able to exercise
control over the livelihood
of the population.

20. Exploration of countries
Deciding factors for choosing countries for case study:
 Impact
 Efforts
 Public awareness
 Scale
 Person per battery disposed
 Recycling techniques
 Storage and sorting facilities

21. Exploration of countries
There were other countries that also displayed
the factors mentioned but did not do so on a
large scale. Examples are :
 Philippines
 Malaysia

23. China
 Increased technological
advancements and higher standards
of living
 Produces 15 billion batteries a year
which amounts to a third of the world’s
total production of batteries
 Domestic market still consumes
around 6 billion units

24. China
Lead Acid Batteries
 More than 50 million
waste lead-acid
batteries are recycled
annually in China
 About 140 thousand
tons of secondary lead
are recovered
 80 – 85% secondary
lead recovery rate

25. China
Household Batteries
 Only 1 – 2% are recycled
 Policy on Technique Adapted to Pollution
Prevention from Waste Batteries (PTPPWB)
 Policy based on an understanding that most
zinc- and alkaline-manganese batteries sold
and used in China contain mercury weight
less than 0.0001%

26. China
Efforts
 In 2006, a campaign was launched to
promote the recycling of used batteries in the
Guangdong province of China
 In 2001, Beijing’s high schools and primary
schools took part in a waste battery recycling
project

27. China
Governmental Efforts
 In 2003, the State Environmental Protection Agency
(SEPA), together with nine other government bodies,
co-issued a new policy on battery recycling called
Policy on Technique Adapted to Pollution Prevention
from Waste Batteries (PTPPWB).
 The government has gradually increased the
proportion of GDP allocated to environmental
protection from 0.72 percent in 1989 to 1.33 percent
in 2003.

28. China
Legislation
 “Law of the People’s Republic of China on
Prevention and Control of Solid Waste Pollution to
the Environment” which was implemented in 1996,
hazardous wastes should be treated separately
according to their property
 In 2003, Policy on Technique adapted to Pollution
Prevention from Waste Batteries (PTPPWB).

29. China
Analysis
 Lack of Strong Governmental Support
 Lack of Public Awareness and Participation
 Lack of Proper Storage and Sorting Facilities
 Lack of Advanced Recycling Techniques

30. China
Conclusion
 A more enthusiastic and supportive
government would help greatly.
 Introduce a rigid legal system so
organisations, companies and its people will
follow strictly.

31. USA
 Lead consumption alone by United States can reach
as high as 1.54 million tons of lead
 Americans throw away over 3 billion primary and
secondary batteries, 745 million SGD worth.
 Lead acid batteries make up 74% of lead in USA
 98% of all recycled lead is produced in USA with 17
recycling facilities

32. USA
Legislation
 All rechargeable batteries have to bear a
symbol.
 California have the strictest legislation
directly affecting batteries.
 Disposal of lead-acid batteries in landfills and
incinerators prohibited and retailers are
required to accept used batteries.

33. USA
RBRC
 Rechargeable Battery Recycling
Corporation (RBRC) is a non-profit, public
service organization
 Started in 1994.
 Removed fees associated with its
community recycling program starting in
January 2003

34. USA
RBRC’s program

35. USA
Analysis
 Stringent Legislation
 Weak Governmental support
 Strong Public Awareness and Participation
 Safe Recycling Techniques

36. USA
Conclusion
 Stringent legislation and strong public
awareness contribute to USA’s successful
recycling campaign.
 Major advantage is the removal of charges
for sending batteries for recycling, and easy
access to battery recycling bins.

37. Belgium Case Study
Introduction
In Belgium, BEBAT is the company responsible
for collection and recycling of batteries
They have been operational since 1995/1996
and are fully backed by the government
The number of used batteries they collect keep
increasing through the years

38. Belgium Case Study
Introduction (Cont’d)
Graph showing BEBAT’s collection rate since they started in 1996

39. Belgium Case Study
Belgium’s Effort in Recycling
BEBAT was founded by the battery industry
in 1995 for the purpose of collection and
recycling of batteries
They are backed by federal and regional
authorities
Companies register themselves with BEBAT
to comply with environmental legislations
They are partners with other battery
recycling companies

40. Belgium Case Study
Governmental Efforts
EPBA (European Portable Battery Association)
was established in Belgium with consent of the
government
They are responsible for the development of
the battery industry in Europe
The Belgian government helped BEBAT by
using the media and broadcasting commercials
to get the public aware
They also allowed BEBAT to place over 20,000
collection points in public areas in the country

42. Belgium Case Study
Legislation
 On 6 September 2006, there was a new directive of the
EU parliament and council on batteries
 The new directive states that there shall be specific
standards that each country must fulfill
 The minimum standard for collection rate of batteries is
as follows:
 (a) 25 % by 26 September 2012 ;
 (b) 45 % by 26 September 2016
 In Belgium’s case, this is not a problem for them as they
have highest amount for collection of spent batteries at
59%

43. Belgium Case Study
Analysis
 Efficiency of collection network
 Strong governmental and retailer support
 Strong Environmental awareness and public
participation

44. Belgium Case Study
Conclusion
Belgium is considered to be one of the most
successful countries in battery recycling
Their battery collection and recycling network
should be a model to other countries
However, they still needed the help of various
other factors
All in all, Belgium can be said to be
unparalleled in their effective system and
network of battery recycling

45. Australia
 Second waste country on earth
 Australians discard about 8,000 tons of used
batteries
 Municipal landfill sites are so contaminated
they probably require special containment
 60 to 80 lead acid batteries are pulled out
from a landfill each day.

46. Australia
 Three lead acid battery plants operate within
Australia in SA, Queensland and NSW.
 Up to one third of Australia’s batteries have
been recycled outside Australia in Third
World countries
 Proposed lead battery recycling facility in
Wagga Wagga rejected

47. Australia
Cleanaway
 Cleanaway is Australia’s largest waste
management operator.
 In 2006, CleanAway introduced a new
battery-recycling programme in Australia.
 Major disadvantage is, recycling box
provided, but costs are borne by companies.
 Batteries are sent overseas with export
permit exclusive only to 2 companies.

48. Australia
Battery Back
 Started in June 2007
 A joint initiative of Sustainability Victoria,
UniRoss and CleanAway
 Harvey Norman and Michaels Camera Video
and Digital provide collection points.

49. Australia
Legislation
 Few relevant legislation to back battery
recycling.
 Hazardous Waste Act was updated in 1996
for wastes with financial value to be destined
overseas for recycling and recovery
operations.

50. Australia
Analysis
 Lack of Legislation
 Mild Environmental awareness and Public
participation
 Strong Australian Governmental support
 Backward Reycling Techniques

51. Australia
Conclusion
 Australia’s battery recycling programs are still
at a initial stage.
 Still room for improvement compared to other
countries.
 But progress is the first step to a successful
battery recycling program.

53. Analysis
Countries
Governmental
Support
Public
Awareness
Recycling
Technique
Legislations
Storage and
Sorting
Facilities
USA     
China     
Belgium     
Australia     
Table of Comparison

54. Analysis
Governmental Support
 Amount of effort poured
in by the country’s
government and
authorities for their
battery recycling
programmes

55. Analysis
Governmental Support (Cont’d)
 Belgium’s government was the most supportive.
 They supported BEBAT by funding them and
supporting them throughout their entire process.
 Educational programs on recycling batteries.

56. Analysis
Governmental Support (Cont’d)
 China has the least support from the
government among the 4 countries.
 They do not have a rigid workable system
from collecting to recycling of batteries.
 Do not wish to be involved in battery
recycling activities.

57. Analysis
Public Awareness
Refers to the
amount of media
coverage given to
the environmental
concerns of
battery recycling.

58. Analysis
Public Awareness (cont’d)
 Belgium remains the best in public
awareness.
 Commercials broadcasted in mainstream
media encouraging the recycling of batteries
by BEBAT

59. Analysis
Public Awareness (cont’d)
 Australia has the least public awareness.
 There’s only two companies that recycle
batteries and are not given much attention by
Australians

60. Analysis
Legislations
The laws that
govern the
country regarding
batteries and
batteries
recycling

61. Analysis
Legislations (cont’d)
 Belgium has the most stringent legislation to
date.
 European Union has set a minimum standard
for collection rate of batteries and it is as
follows:
– 25 % by 26 September 2012 ;
– 45 % by 26 September 2016

62. Analysis
Legislations (cont’d)
 China currently do not have single unified law
to address batteries and their recycling
 Not clear who is responsible for storing and
transporting waste batteries and how the cost
will be borne

63. Analysis
Recycling Technique
 Refers ability
to collect and
recycle
batteries
efficiently with
safe and
advanced
technology

64. Analysis
Recycling Technique (Cont’d)
 None of the countries had a perfect recycling
technique.
 The difficulty of finding a recycling technique
that is environmental friendly and yet
effective still needs to be overcome.
 USA and Belgium are not yet self sufficient,
they still need to send some of their batteries
overseas for recycling.

65. Analysis
Recycling Technique (Cont’d)
 Australia’s lead acid recycling
facilities do not fully comply to
the environmental legislations.
 China unwilling to invest on
more technology for better
recycling techniques

66. Analysis
Storage and Sorting Facilities
 The process and
storage, after
they are
collected and
before they are
recycled.

67. Analysis
Storage and Sorting Facilities (cont’d)
 Belgium has the best storage and sorting
facilities.
 BEBAT’s sorting technology is automated.
The mechanical processing unit sorts zinc-
carbon and alkaline-batteries.
 They have 20,000 collection points which
serve as storage facilities before sending to
the plants for processing.

68. Analysis
Storage and Sorting Facilities (cont’d)
 China has an obvious
lack of proper storage
and sorting facility
 Batteries collected are
left in the open
awaiting to be
delivered to a recycling
plant

69. Analysis
Conclusion
 USA and Belgium are leading countries in battery
recycling
 They each have non-profit organizations that
dedicate themselves solely to the cause
 China and Australia still have much room for
improvement
 They have the foundation, now they need to build on
it.

70. Factors that made Overseas
Recycling Programmes Feasible
 Supportive Government
 Effective Education and Promotion Program
 Firm Legislation and Policies
 Strong Management of Programmes
 Safe and Advanced Recycling Technology

71. Past and Present efforts in
Singapore
 Green Plan in 2012 launched by NEA.
 Prompted Nokia, IKEA, Singapore
Environment Council (SEC), to provide
collection points for batteries.
 SEC provided previous batch of seniors with
a report ‘mad about batteries’

72. Past and Present efforts in
Singapore (IKEA)
 IKEA collection of
household batteries
ended in 2004 due to
poor response.
 Batteries eventually sent
for destruction instead of
recycling facilities.

73. Past and Present efforts in
Singapore (NOKIA)
 However, used Nokia
handphones, handphone
batteries and accessories
are still collected in Nokia
retail outlets.
 There are 5 collection
points.

74. Past and Present efforts in
Singapore (Energenics)
 A MNC which is a supplier of alternative energy
solutions and technologies.
 Discovered an innovative way of reconditioning
lead-acid batteries
 The process will be shown in a video that we have
recorded ourselves at the Energenics facility.

76. Past and Present efforts in
Singapore (NEA)
 Disposal of household batteries were not of main
concern.
 No collection and separation of batteries are done
except for lead-acid batteries due to its harmfulness.
 NEA encourages battery manufactures, distributors
and retailers to voluntarily set up more collection
points and fund the recycling of batteries.
 The Singapore Green Plan 2012 will be looking into
doing a follow up on battery recycling.

77. Constraints faced by Singapore
 Lack of support from the government
 Lack of land space
 Rigid laws and legislations
 Low volume of waste batteries collected
 Lack of environmental awareness in Singapore

78. Implemention in Singapore Polytechnic
 Plan Proposal for a Battery Recycling
Program in Singapore Polytechnic
 Mandatory versus Voluntary Recycling
 Funding
 Education and Promotion
 Collection Points
 After Collection

79. Conclusion
 A battery recycling facility would not be
feasible.
 A battery collection would be a more realistic
approach to battery recycling.
 Implementation of program in Singapore
Polytechnic would be the first step.
 Collaboration with governmental authorities
in pushing battery recycling awareness.

80. Future Work
 Implement a battery collection program in Singapore
 Use our group’s research to propose a battery
collection program to government agencies
 Use Singapore Green Plan 2012 to jump start the
program
 Model the program under an effective example like
Belgium’s unparalleled battery collection and
recycling network