Leaders in Battery Management and Recycling
Leaders in battery management and recycling.
All Major Consumer Batteries Accepted
Consumer batteries are crucial to daily living and are generally used to power smaller electronics like laptops, cell phones, power tools, remote controls, video game systems, and all other portable devices that require energy without a cord.
Consumer batteries include: Alkaline, Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lead Acid, Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) and Primary Lithium. Each battery type has unique properties, which require specialized recycling processes.
Learn More about battery types:
Alkaline Batteries
Alkalines are a popular variety of non-rechargeable battery that are used throughout the home and office, and are commonly thought of as AA, AAA, C, D and 9V models.
Alkalines are composed of Zinc and manganese dioxide and derive their name from the Alkaline electrolyte used to create the chemical reaction that generates energy. Over 10 billion individual Alkaline batteries are manufactured every year on a worldwide basis. As a result, Alkalines represent approximately 80% of the batteries manufactured in the U.S.
Lead Acid Batteries
Despite being much heavier than today’s more advanced NiMH or Li-Ion batteries, lead batteries still account for approximately 40-45% of worldwide battery sales due to characteristics of long-life and high power. Applications for lead acid batteries tend to include ones where weight is not a major consideration, such as starter batteries for cars, or stationary backup power for desktop computers, data center servers and lighting systems.
Lead Acid batteries are composed of two highly hazardous components: lead and sulfuric acid. KBI's processes ensure both of these hazardous components are treated in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Lead Acid batteries are composed of two highly hazardous components: lead and sulfuric acid. KBI's processes ensure both of these hazardous components are treated in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.Lead Acid batteries are composed of two highly hazardous components: lead and sulfuric acid. KBI's processes ensure both of these hazardous components are treated in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Li-Ion Batteries (Rechargeable)
Li-Ion batteries have become ever-present in our modern, mobile world. The ability to store large amounts of energy in a relatively light package, makes these batteries the perfect option for devices that require a lot of power, while needing to maintain a near weightless feel.
These batteries are almost universally used to power such devices as laptops, tablets, cell phones, power tools, cameras, and camcorders.
When you trust KBI, you know that your Li-ion batteries will be treated and disposed of safely and responsibly, with the highest level of environmental integrity.
Lithium Metal Batteries (Non-Rechargeable)
Often confused with rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries, Lithium Metal Batteries are entirely different in both their chemical composition and intended applications. Lithium Metal Batteries contain pure lithium metal, rather than lithium alloys.
In addition, unlike Li-Ion batteries, Lithium Metal batteries are not rechargeable and are only used in single-use applications. Such applications may include digital cameras, smoke detectors, alarm systems, automated emergency defibrillators and other applications where high energy and a long shelf-life are a priority.
Lithium Metal Batteries can range in size from small button cells to battery packs that are similarly sized to car batteries. Regardless of size, KBI can manage all your end-of-life Lithium metal batteries.
Nickel Cadmium Batteries
Nickel Cadmium batteries were one of the first rechargeable batteries to be widely adopted by consumers looking for solutions to power their portable power tools, photography equipment, flashlights, emergency lighting, and hobby R/C.
However, the larger energy capacity of Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries, as well as the potential environmental hazards involved with the improper disposal of the cadmium components, have contributed to a decrease in the sale of these batteries.
Consumer NiCad batteries contain approximately 18% cadmium, a heavy toxic metal that requires that highest care during the battery recycling process. KBI ensures this toxic metal is processed to and captured at the highest standards possible.
Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
NiMH batteries can supply 2-3 times the energy capacity of a similarly sized NiCd battery. For that reason, NiMH batteries have replaced NiCd batteries in many applications that require reusable and renewable power.
NiMH batteries are thought to be a safer energy option, as they do not contain cadmium, a toxic component found in NiCad batteries. Applications for NiMH batteries include power tools, laptops, cell phones, and even rechargeable alternatives to standard AA, AA, C, and D alkaline batteries.
Miscellaneous Batteries
The batteries described above include those most commonly found in the stream of commerce. However, there are many other less common types, most of which can also be effectively managed by KBI. Such batteries include:
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Magnesium
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Mercury
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Nickel Iron
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Silver-Oxide
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Zinc Carbonaire
If you do not see your batteries listed, please reach out to a KBI representative, who will be happy to help you identify your batteries and set up a plan to ensure proper recycling.