Can a swollen battery still be recycled?
4 Answers
Once a battery is swollen, it is considered scrapped, and merchants will not attempt to repair it. Trade-in programs essentially recycle the lead and plastic at a discounted rate, regardless of the battery's condition. A swollen battery cannot and should not be repaired; it is recommended to replace it directly. This is because a swollen battery is prone to reverse polarity—where the positive terminal becomes negative and the negative terminal becomes positive—which can cause the charger to burn out and damage the controller. In the worst-case scenario, if the controller and charger lack comprehensive protection features, it could even lead to a vehicle fire. Battery swelling is one of the common causes of battery failure, typically manifesting as bulging on both sides. The primary reasons for swelling are excessive charging or discharging currents, leading to rapid temperature increases inside the battery. If the gas cannot vent in time, the pressure builds up until the battery swells or deforms. Upon discovering a swollen battery, prompt repair or replacement is necessary. During maintenance, it is crucial to inspect the charging system to ensure the charging voltage and current are within reasonable limits and that the generator and charging circuits are functioning properly.
To be honest, bulging lead-acid batteries are practically hazardous materials - the sulfuric acid inside can leak and corrode skin, plus they're extremely prone to explosions and fires during handling. However, licensed recycling centers specifically collect these spent batteries since the lead plates can still be refined and reused. Our regular recycling partner uses explosion-proof containers for transport, draining the electrolyte before dismantling the lead plates and plastic casing. Never attempt to puncture it yourself - just call any nearby auto repair shop and they'll send someone to collect it. A 20Ah battery can still fetch about 20 yuan, basically covering the dismantling fee. Remember to get a recycling certificate from them - environmental regulations are strict nowadays, and improper disposal carries heavy fines.
Last week, I just disposed of an old battery that had swollen into a ball shape, and the recycling center accepted it without hesitation. The main recycling value of such deformed batteries lies in the internal lead plates, as recycling plants professionally crush and separate the lead material from the plastic. A reminder: swelling is mostly caused by overcharging or short circuits, indicating internal damage. When transporting, place it upright to avoid rolling and wrap it in plastic sheeting to prevent leakage. Nowadays, cities have designated recycling stations—for example, the one at the back gate of Guobo Auto Parts City has a sign up year-round accepting them. Larger capacity truck batteries fetch higher recycling prices; a 12V 100Ah one can sell for over 80 yuan. Remember to bring your ID card for registration, as recycling now requires traceability management.
Swollen lead-acid batteries are absolutely recyclable! The lead-acid battery recycling industry chain is quite mature. My friend who runs a repair shop says swollen batteries undergo electrolyte drainage first, then get crushed by hydraulic presses for lead grid separation. But safety precautions are crucial: wear acid-resistant gloves when handling, avoid placing in car trunks (especially dangerous in summer heat due to bumps). Some on-demand recycling apps now offer convenient services - technicians arrive with leak-proof containers after photo-based quotes. Pricing mainly follows lead price fluctuations (currently ~¥15,000/ton), with standard car batteries fetching ¥25-40.
