Batteries and the Canberra Act

A massive fire in Canberra’s recycling centre is believed to have been caused by batteries. The incident highlights the importance of keeping household waste and recyclables separate, particularly lithium batteries.

The ACT’s Big Battery, which commenced operations in November, will increase storage capacity in the electricity network and enable more households to connect rooftop solar. Residents can drop off batteries at the B-cycle program, resource management centres and other locations.

1. Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium Ion Batteries are very lightweight & have excellent cycle life, power & energy density. They have a low self-discharge rate and do not suffer from the memory effect that can occur in some other rechargeable battery technologies.

They are ideal for applications in remote locations or where power is intermittent. They have a maximum charge voltage of 4.2 volts per cell in series & can be built to any desired voltage with the use of multiple cells.

The Battery Stewardship Scheme (BSS) is a national voluntary scheme authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The BSS operates through a battery levy on imported batteries, which is passed on to consumers in the form of higher battery prices. The levy is used to fund rebates for BSS accredited collectors, processors and recyclers of end-of-life batteries. The levy is also used to promote education and awareness activities for consumers.

2. Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries store chemical energy in a mixture of lead dioxide and sponge lead in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid. They are used for automobile starting, lighting, and ignition, as well as large backup power supplies in telephone and data centres, and off-grid household electricity systems.

Wet cell lead-acid batteries (also known as flooded batteries) release gas and need to be regularly watered to prevent them from drying out. Gel-cell and absorbed glass-mat batteries are maintenance-free versions of these batteries that do not require watering and have a longer shelf life.

Single-use, alkaline and rechargeable batteries are accepted for recycling under the Australian Battery Product Stewardship Scheme, with thousands of drop-off locations across Australia. Remember to put a piece of sticky tape over battery terminals to avoid sparks when disposing of them.

3. Nickel Cadmium Batteries

With its superior power density, wide temperature operating range and rugged construction, nickel-cadmium battery technology remains the back-up choice for many critical industrial applications. It can withstand mechanical shocks and vibrations and will operate for extended periods in harsh environments with significant operating temperature fluctuations.

They use a positive plate composed of nickel oxy-hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) and a negative plate made of finely divided cadmium metal with an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide (KOH). When charged, ions migrate from the positive to the negative plates. On discharge, they reverse the direction of migration and reestablish the state of charge.

Batteries must be stowed and restrained to prevent them from moving during transport which could result in the release of their toxic electrolyte. The requirements for transporting batteries are set out in the Australian Code of Practice for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.

4. Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries

Nickel metal hydride batteries are an evolution of the nickel hydrogen battery which has long been used in aerospace applications because of its good cycle life and reasonable specific energy. They have become ubiquitous in today’s technology climate, powering everything from digital cameras to hybrid electric vehicles.

Modern nickel metal hydride batteries are free of the memory effect common with older generation and other battery construction materials. They will however be affected by overcharging – the more you charge them, the lower their capacity becomes.

Since the fire at the Canberra recycling plant on Boxing Day, the ACT Government has worked with B-cycle and local councils to educate residents about safe disposal of batteries. There are hefty fines for incorrectly disposing of batteries. A national battery recycling program is also underway.

5. Lead Acid Batteries

In lead acid batteries, alternating lead and lead dioxide plates are connected to each other by metal elements with an electrolyte of water and sulfuric acid. When the battery is charged, electrons move between the positive and negative plates creating a potential difference (voltage) between them. This current then passes through the device, causing it to operate (e.g. produce movement, heat or light).

Wet cell deep cycle lead acid batteries are used in golf carts, mobility scooters, caravans and solar energy systems and can be discharged down to a deep state of charge without affecting the lifespan of the battery. They are also used in back up power supplies for telephone and computer centres and in grid energy storage. They are also recyclable in Australia.

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