The global use of lead-acid batteries is ever growing and therefore the importance of cost reduction for the purchase, maintenance and waste disposal of batteries has become a high priority. The battery industry has several issues:
Life expectancy of a battery is 2-4 years
Battery performance fades during the its operational lifetime
Battery prices are relatively high
Recycling batteries causes emission equivalent to 31 kg of CO2
Existing service providers replace the failed cells and provide limited warranty
The key reasons for battery degradation are:
Sulphation and crystallization over the lead plates
Cell dry out and poor acid quality – leads to sedimentation which can cause electrical short circuits
Corrosion
Improper use and service
To deal with this, you have two options –
RECYCLE
CO2 emission – 31kg of CO2 per battery
High cost of replacement
Scrap battery has to be broken apart into different components
Leads to exposure to lead, acid and other hazardous chemicals