Solar batteries have been designed to help take our world into more environmentally-friendly pastures, and they’re doing a great job, but what happens when their lifespan is up?
Most solar batteries can be recycled, although this has to be done with care as batteries have chemical waste that can harm the natural world (and humans!).
Different solar batteries have their own considerations when it comes to recycling. Check with your local waste management facility or solar battery manufacturer to recycle solar batteries correctly. In some cases, dedicated programs may pick up and dispose of batteries for you, or you may need to bring them to a local recycling centre.
What are the benefits of recycling solar batteries?
The main benefits of recycling solar batteries are reducing environmental harm and increasing sustainability. Solar batteries contain chemical cells, which have the potential to contaminate soil and water when disposed of incorrectly. By recycling solar batteries rather than putting them in a landfill, this contamination is mitigated.
Recycling also allows the reuse of some raw materials used to make batteries. These natural resources used to make solar batteries (lead, cobalt, lithium, etc) are finite and require mining to extract from the Earth. This causes further harm to the environment and increases their scarcity. Recycling solar batteries helps to preserve and reuse many of these substances. This not only causes less harm to the environment but also saves on the cost of acquiring new materials.
What types of solar batteries can be recycled?
Most solar battery types are at least partly recyclable. However, each type has its own unique considerations regarding recycling. This is due to differences in their chemical makeup and physical structures.
Lead-acid
Lead-acid solar batteries have a high percentage of recyclable components, with many being between 90 to 98% recyclable. Their lead plates are easily repurposed for new batteries, and their hard plastics can be melted into plastic pellets. While they are fairly inexpensive to recycle, they are also toxic. This means proper disposal is incredibly important.
Lithium-ion
Many of the most critical materials in lithium-ion solar batteries can be recycled repeatedly. These include lithium, nickel and cobalt. However, not all materials in lithium-ion batteries are recyclable. The intricate mix of materials complicates the recycling process. As a result, there are some waste products created when they reach the end of their lifespan. Luckily, there is more research and investment into lithium-ion battery recycling that will allow more components to be reused and repurposed, like the $8 million funding provided to Perth-based Renewable Metals to scale up its new battery recycling technology.
Flow
Flow solar batteries are highly recyclable. They are primarily made of plastics, recyclable alloys and generic electrical components. All these are easy to reuse or repurpose, meaning flow batteries generate a comparatively small amount of waste compared to other solar battery types.
What parts of solar batteries get recycled?
Certain solar battery components are more suited to recycling than others. Components containing metals such as lead, cobalt, nickel and copper are often highly recyclable. They are normally used in either the outer shell or the electrodes of the solar battery. Recovering these metals allows them to be repurposed for new solar batteries or other important electrical components. Plastic components are also easily recycled since they can usually be melted down and repurposed.
Battery components that cannot be recycled
One of the most difficult parts of a solar battery to recycle is the electrolyte. This is a chemical solution within batteries that transfers electric charge. Solar battery electrolytes are difficult to recycle because they often chemically fuse to materials within the battery. Separating them can be difficult because of the strong chemical bonds that form. The separation process runs the risk of damaging certain components of the battery. Additionally, some components may be too expensive to recycle in today’s market, reducing their viability. This applies primarily to components made of specific plastics and polymers.
How to safely dispose of solar batteries
When a solar battery has passed the end of its useful life, it should be disposed of correctly. It’s important to follow the appropriate disposal guidelines to mitigate potential hazards and environmental impact. The exact method varies depending on the type of battery and local regulations. However, you can take some general steps to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely.
When it comes time to dispose of your solar battery, usually after between 10-15 years, we recommend you contact a qualified technician to remove and dispose of the battery safely. A professional will ensure the battery is discharged safely before removing it and storing it in a sealed container ready for disposal.
Once a solar battery has been discharged and properly stored, it can be taken to an appropriate disposal centre. These facilities process the batteries to extract all of the recyclable materials before eliminating the remaining waste. Depending on the disposal centre, they may pick up your battery, or you may be required to transport it. The Association for the Battery Recycling Industry has provided a list of disposal locations based on the type of battery. Alternatively, you can check with your local council for advice about disposing of solar batteries in your area. Again, a qualified technician should have all this information on hand to ensure your battery is disposed of safely and sustainably.
Solar battery disposal laws and regulations
In Australia, the disposal of solar batteries is governed by a combination of national standards and state-specific regulations. The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI) sets overarching standards, emphasising the need for safe and environmentally conscious disposal practices for all types of batteries, including solar batteries.
At the national level, the Product Stewardship Act 2011 provides a framework for shared responsibility in managing the environmental impact of products, including solar batteries. This legislation encourages industry players to participate actively in the end-of-life management of products. It helps to foster a collaborative approach to recycling and disposal. On a state level, specific policies complement national standards.
For instance, in Victoria, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regulates hazardous waste storage, transport, and disposal, including certain types of solar batteries. South Australia follows a similar framework under the Environmental Protection Act 1993, ensuring that the disposal of batteries aligns with the environmental protection goals.
These laws emphasise the importance of recycling over conventional disposal methods. They promote the responsible management of potentially hazardous materials in solar batteries. Compliance with these regulations safeguards the environment and contributes to Australia's ongoing shift towards sustainability.
Plico is dedicated to helping Australians achieve a cleaner and greener future. Our solar + battery systems deliver energy independence at affordable prices, making solar power accessible to households. When it comes time for our members’ solar batteries to be recycled, we’ll be right there to support them, ensuring a safe and sustainable disposal. If you have questions about your solar + battery system, chat with our switched-on team members, or explore the Plico blog to stay updated on the latest solar energy news.
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