How to implement efficient local lead–acid battery recycling

For successful recycling, at least 95% of the spent batteries in the country or region concerned must be processed. Key factors in effective recycling are the availability of at least 2,000,000 spent batteries a year which come from the vicinity of the plant, a favourable regulatory structure, efficient collection, a competitive and environmentally friendly recycling technology, adequate lead-refining know-how and, last but not least, the necessary financial backing. In the last 5 years, Campine, a long-established Belgian metallurgical company, has been able to combine these key factors and become a successful recycler covering the Netherlands and the north of Belgium. Laws and regulations have been enacted governing disposal, storage, shipping and recycling batteries. Campine obtains spent batteries via four different channels and offers a simple, competitive and environmentally sound method of recycling, using a shaft furnace and post combustion.