Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling

The Importance of Lithium-ion Car Batteries Recycling


California currently boasts a staggering count of over 400,000 zero emission vehicles cruising its roads, with this number steadily rising.


The lifespan of the batteries utilized in these vehicles typically spans from 10 to 20 years.


It's important to note that all batteries inherently comprise metals and various hazardous or corrosive substances. Moreover, these batteries possess a potentially substantial value as a recyclable metal source.


As the lithium-ion batteries powering electric cars eventually reach their end-of-life stage, it becomes crucial to handle their disposal in a manner that prioritizes public safety and environmental well-being.

Image source: California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan, California Air Resources Board

Why EV Battery recycling is important

Why Choose Surplus Service for your EV Battery Disposal


Surplus Service and CalEPA Lithium-ion Car Battery Recycling Advisory Group


Surplus Service was one of a handful of leading industry experts appointed to the CalEPA Lithium-Ion Battery Advisory Group.


The group was formed in 2019 to make recommendations to the California State Legislative on policies relating to the recovery and recycling of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles throughout the state and to act as a roadmap for other states to follow.


This work is espcially important considering the huge growth in the sales of electric vehicles in California.

Surplus Service EV Battery Program


Our primary goal is to optimize the life of EV batteries by making them available for reuse in other applications. Where this is not possible then responsible and ethical recycling is performed to maximize the recovery of useful material, proper disposal of toxic materials, and minimize the safe materials sent to landfills.


Did You Know


The life of a Lithium Ion EV battery is 10 - 20 years; typically longer than the vehicle it was first fitted to. There are therefore opportunities to reuse EV batteries In other, less taxing, applications (such as forklift trucks, electric bikes, etc.), thus maximizing their usefulness.


Battery Types Accepted



Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries

Accepted throughout the US.

  • Lithium-Ion
  • Nickel-Metal Hydride

Battery Solutions we offer...

EV Battery Reuse and Recycling

Surplus Service - Industry Experts in EV Battery Disposal

We have the expertise and industry experience to be your full-service partner for lithium-ion battery (LIB) disposal.


We service these batteries in 3 different ways

  1. Reuse
  2. Transportation for Recycling
  3. Storage
EV lithium ion battary disposal experts

Reuse

These batteries are not easily recyclable due to the lithium and other harmful components.


At Surplus Service, we firmly believe in upcycling components and materials that could be useful to someone or something.


Keeping our environmental impact low and our standards high. Lead-acid batteries have a 10 times shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries, which continue to operate at 80% of rated capacity after 2000 cycles.

Used LIBs will be repurposed as energy storage devices and find new uses in the fields of home services, renewable energy sources, and electric supply.

Following the reuse process, retired LIBs with subpar performance may either be discarded or recycled to recover important components.


Other options include sending them back to the manufacturer for repair/disposal, or dismantling them for reusable plastics and heavy-duty metals.

Transportation for Recycling


We offer end-to-end support on recycling compliance and shipping. Regulations for shipping these batteries are complex & the bigger the battery, the more complicated.


Depending on power capacity, weight, and condition of the LIBs – we can assess how to properly transport for recycling or upcycling.


We offer compliant packaging suited for class 9 material. Batteries over 881lbs are considered [bulk shipment]

It can be extremely difficult to comply across modes of transportation while maintaining efficient and effective operations when shipping large size lithium batteries.

Storage of Batteries


Options regarding compliant storing include wood, plastic, and metal crates. End of life storage for recycling also includes these materials. DDR or defected, damaged, and recalled must follow a high standard for storing and recycling.


Complex, custom-designed packaging is needed for batteries used in electric automobiles. The reason, location, and mode of shipment will determine the best packaging for your battery.

The issues related to battery disposal

Many e-scrap recycling facilities face a hazardous scenario as a result of the daily influx of lithium-ion batteries that they receive, therefore they must be ready. Safeguarding employees and averting fires depend on proper battery removal and sorting.


The employees at an e-scrap site may still take precautions to stop a devastating fire even if the batteries are degraded and start to experience thermal runaway. One way to respond appropriately is to fully comprehend what is occurring inside the battery.

To avoid short circuits, which might cause a heat incident, all lithium-ion batteries should be packed. Use electrical non-conductive tape to cover exposed battery terminals to prevent short circuits, and use inner packaging to keep batteries from touching one another. Additionally, when utilizing inner packing material, make sure cushioning material that is electrically non-conductive and non-combustible covers the empty areas between the batteries. By making sure the packages are fastened to a pallet, handlers can reduce the chance that these batteries shifting and igniting.

Issues related to EV batteries disposal

Battery Safety

In the event that a fire does develop, it is crucial to practice putting out lithium-ion fires.


The emotional centers of the brain will take control and guide the response from the “fight or flight” part of the brain if preparation and thoughtful consideration of how to react to a lithium-ion battery fire—and, more significantly, why they need to behave this way—are lacking.


Because it is what they have been taught since they were young, the majority of individuals are likely to respond in this situation using a Class ABC or Class D fire extinguisher.


Fire extinguishers, however, should not be used to put out a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery.

Water, especially in big quantities, is the extinguishing agent that is most easily accessible.


The necessity to cool a lithium-ion battery is due to the fact that heat triggers the thermal runaway process, which eventually causes a fire.


  • At around 266 degrees Fahrenheit, the electrolyte ignites and flames develop.
  • At roughly 360 degrees Fahrenheit, if the heat builds up, the aluminum in the cathode material starts to deteriorate and release oxygen, escalating the fire.


Lithium-ion batteries may burn at around 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit if left uncontrolled.

EV battery disposal - battery safety - water to extinguish lithium ion battery fires

Don't Take The Risk

With these issues in mind we strongly recommend that you work with a certified, experienced ewaste management company to handle the disposal of EV Lithium Ion batteries.

Your e-waste needs are about to be solved. You are just one phone call away. Fill out the form and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Get in touch and start upcycling.