Scrap metal recyclers have long known about the dangers posed by batteries– from worker injury to damaged equipment to accidental fires in warehouses and scrap yards. At Research Alloys, we’re ramping up efforts to reduce these risks to keep our customers and employees safe.
Starting this week, visitors to our drive-through recycling facility will see new signage advising them to remove batteries from their recyclable metal items. Additionally, we’ll be sharing the message on our social media channels and talking with customers to help spread the word.
Lead acid batteries– frequently found in mobility aids like scooters and electric wheelchairs, children’s powered toy cars, as well as full-sized automobiles– pose serious threats of fire when handled improperly. While we’re happy to purchase and recycle scrap lead acid batteries, it’s important that they not be dropped off in our steel recycling yard.
When steel is processed for recycling, it is sent through a series of shredding machines in order to make shipping and handling more efficient. Equipped with powerful blades, often made of nickel-hardened alloys and tool steel, these shredders make quick work of scooters and wheelchairs…but batteries are a different story. When lead acid batteries are accidentally fed through one of these shredders, they can explode, sending dangerous acids flying through the air. What’s worse– the damaged batteries can quickly ignite, and if the battery has already made its way into the interior of the shredding machine, accessing it to extinguish the flames can be extremely difficult.
You can help reduce the risks to recycling facilities and their employees by adhering to the following guidelines:
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Never throw lead acid batteries into the trash. There are dozens of outlets for recycling batteries in and around central Ohio (including Research Alloys!)
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Always remove the battery from any device you intend to scrap. Whether it’s a jet ski or a computer power backup, an electric bike or a scooter– the recycling process is safer and easier when the battery doesn’t have a chance to enter the same waste stream as other metals and components.
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Tape the terminals. When recycling batteries, it’s good practice to tape the terminal ends to ensure the batteries won’t spark if contact is made with other metals.