Can a swollen battery still be recycled?
1 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.
