The importance of separate collection and recycling of all types of batteries from electrical and electronic equipment
Proper management of all types of batteries on the market is a critical component of e-waste recycling and environmental protection. Batteries are found in a very wide range of electrical and electronic equipment, from household and industrial devices to medical devices or IT equipment. Improper collection , especially their disposal in household waste, leads to serious pollution, fire risks and contamination with heavy metals.
Types of batteries on the market and their sources from e-waste
- Zinc-carbon (Zn-C) batteries
They are among the oldest and most widespread types of batteries.
- Where they are found: remote controls, wall clocks, simple flashlights, toys.
- Risks: contain zinc and manganese; can leach and contaminate soil.
- Management: requires battery recycling and handover to electronic waste collection centers.
- Alkaline batteries (Zn-MnO₂)
Very widely used today.
- Where they are found: mice, keyboards, cameras, toys, smoke detectors.
- Risks: heavy metals in lower concentrations, but cumulative impact.
- Flow: recycling electrical components and neutralizing electrolytes.
- Mercury (Hg) batteries
Although largely banned, they still appear in the e-waste stream.
- Where to find: old thermometers, clocks, old medical devices, laboratory equipment.
- Major risks: mercury is extremely toxic.
- Mandatory: separate collection and neutralization of electrical waste in authorized facilities.
- Silver-oxide (Ag₂O) batteries
- Where they are found: watches, medical instruments, precision devices.
- Value: contain recoverable silver.
- Flow: battery recycling with precious metal recovery.
- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries
- Where they are found: old power tools, cordless phones, industrial equipment, portable medical equipment.
- Risks: cadmium – carcinogenic heavy metal.
- Regime: strict separate collection, controlled electronic waste recycling.
- Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries
- Where they are found: cameras, toys, audio devices, some medical equipment.
- Advantage: less toxic than Ni-Cd.
- Requires: battery recycling in specialized centers.
- Nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries
- Where they are found: industrial equipment, special applications, some backup systems.
- Management: separate collection as waste electrical and electronic equipment.
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries
- Where they are found: mobile phones, laptops, tablets, power banks, power tools, portable medical equipment.
- Risks: fire, explosion.
- Flow: battery recycling and neutralization of high-risk electrical waste.
- Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries
- Where they are found: drones, smartwatches, slim devices, modern medical equipment.
- Requires: special treatment in electronic waste collection centers.
- Lead-acid batteries
- Where they are found: UPSs, alarm systems, industrial equipment, medical backup equipment.
- Hazards: lead and sulfuric acid.
- Recycling: one of the most regulated forms of battery recycling.
In Romania, NGOs and OIREP organizations have developed thousands of collection points in: electronics stores , hypermarkets , schools and public institutions.
They provide easy access to e-waste collection centers, including for waste cables, electrical and electronic equipment, and end-of-life medical equipment.
According to the legislation in force (GEO 92/2021, GD 1132/2008 and European directives):
- it is prohibited to throw batteries and electrical waste in household waste;
- the population is obliged to hand them over to collection campaigns or specialized recycling centers;
- operators must ensure traceability, neutralization of electrical waste and recycling of electronic waste according to BAT.
Correct collection and recycling are important for:
- preventing mercury, cadmium and lead pollution;
- reducing the risk of fires;
- recovery of critical resources;
- supporting the circular economy through battery recycling, electrical component recycling and medical equipment recycling.
Regardless of the type , from alkaline batteries to mercury or lithium batteries , they must all be treated as hazardous waste when they become worn out. Handing them over to e-waste collection centers and participating in collection campaigns is a legal obligation and an essential gesture for the environment. Recycling e-waste, neutralizing e-waste and recycling batteries are not optional, but part of a responsible system for managing electrical and electronic equipment.
