Recycling plants in the US are beginning to handle lithium ion, nickel metal hydride and other new wave batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles.
In August, Toxco landed a $9.5 million grant to expand recycling to lithium batteries at an Ohio facility, adding to the lead acid, alkaline manganese and nickel cadmium rechargeable batteries it already processed.
Lithium ion batteries, also used in cell phones and iPods, are more efficient and less toxic than other rechargeable batteries. In the future they're expected to become more popular in consumer products and hybrid vehicles, catching up with nickel metal hydride types and the need for recycling.
Currently, based on toxicity and corresponding laws, lead-acid batteries are the most recycled consumer product at more than 95 percent.