As businesses around the world face up to the challenge of recycling and re-using materials, battery recycling for business is getting to be a big deal. Recycling batteries is a big way to make a less negative impact on the environment. In many industries, this is a consideration, as different types of batteries provide radically different power sources for a wide range of items, devices and machines.

For getting a business more informed about recycling different types of batteries, the web can be a primary resource: info pages and more from web sources can help a business take on the challenge of figuring out what to do with any kind of used batteries, such as:

1. Larger vehicle batteries such as those used to power cars and trucks as well as forklifts and other machines.

2. Household-type batteries or common commercial batteries in the range of sizes commonly used, from AAA to D and including the traditional 9-volt.

3. Lithium batteries used in laptops and other electronic devices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the vehicle battery recycling business

Vehicle batteries are some of the most challenging to recycle: these large, bulky and heavy batteries contain a lot of acid and other caustic materials. Businesses often try to find good recycling solutions for these, partly just to keep them out of inventory, and also to comply with environmental regulations.

I recommend: Learn about recycling vehicle batteries at the A to Z of Materials: info on the site includes car battery recycling, reclamation and more. Get more from automotive recycling for junk battery inventories at sites like Gatlin Education.

Find out about recycling traditional battery types: alkaline battery recycling

Anther type of batteries that are commonly recycled is the traditional alkaline battery sets that power everything from the smallest handheld devices to larger installations like security systems and audio devices. Readers can find protocols for these specific battery types and venues that accept them for recycling.

I recommend: Find resources for recycling household type batteries at Environment, Health and Safety Online. Find out more about battery recycling containers and more at Battery Recycling online.

Look for resources for lithium battery recycling

Another type of batteries that need to be recycled is lithium batteries that power laptops, cell phones and other devices. Recycling lithium batteries poses a challenge because some of them are embedded in complex plastic sheathing or other structures. Look for specific resources on getting these items back to recycling centers and battery recycling equipment used to re-manufacture them for re-use.

I recommend: Get articles and posts on recycling lithium batteries at the blog at ComputerWorld. Get more on the proper disposal of lithium batteries and batteries recycling business at Green Batteries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Let battery recycling education and training be a business bridge into more effective and responsible stewardship of on-site materials: learning more about the substances involved will get business leaders thinking about the best ways to handle all of the materials that get run through processes at their facilities.

Battery recycling for business is becoming necessary as today's fast-moving world generates more and more waste. Old computers and electronics are moved from the floor to the trash bin every day. As experts on environmental regulations point out, disposing of electronics improperly is illegal and bad for public health and safety. Battery disposal is a particular problem, as batteries contain a lot of heavy metals and elements.

Battery recycling services will help you get rid of batteries in ways that protect your environment. Batteries can be broken down at recycling shops for re-use of raw materials. Use battery recycling services to:

1. Get rid of vehicle batteries cluttering an auto mechanic's garage.
2. Dispose of standard sized electronics batteries and small lithium batteries.
3. Discard obsolete or broken laptop or cell phone batteries.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a comprehensive battery recycling business

When you want to offload a selection of domestic batteries, you need a service provider able to accept multiple sizes and styles. Browse the service pages of online providers to see what kinds of batteries they'll take off your hands.

I recommend: View the tidily arranged thumbnails at Complete Recycling Solutions, L.L.C. to see the wide array of batteries they recycle, from tiny lithiums to car batteries to alkaline battery recycling and nearly everything in between. Battery Solutions offers businesses quotes on battery recycling prices in all 50 US states.

Find accessible vendor pages for full-scale battery recycling services

Look for companies that offer up-front fee arrangements, far-reaching shipping and general client accommodation.

I recommend: The service page at The Big Green Box lays out fees, methods and shipping arrangements up front, for international shipping of a variety of batteries. Use the contacts and information there to arrange for a convenient solution for your old batteries.

Find battery recycling services with consulting options

Some companies will help you assess your needs and evaluate shipping options. You don't have to make the decisions alone: arrange for consultants to assist in figuring out how much you are sending and how it will be sent.

I recommend: Newtech Recycling Inc. offers consulting services identified on their web page, including sorting/weighing, needs assessment and logistics.

Introduce battery recycling to your busines the easy way

Find battery recycling containers and other battery recycling equipment for your office.

I recommend: Battery Solutions offers battery recycling containers that hold anywhere from 25 to 700 pounds of batteries. The company also published a guide on how to start battery recycling program at your business. Air Cycle Corporation sells battery recycling equipment, including the EasyPak Battery Recycling Container.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep batteries safe for shipping. If you are waiting on a battery recycling company, keep your batteries in places where they won't be overcome by corrosion. Keeping batteries in extreme temperatures can create a mess for those who are coming to pick them up. It helps to package your freight for easy pickup and inventory, rather than just piling items up in an unused space.