The Enduring Legacy of Alessandro Volta and the Growing Challenge of Battery Waste

On February 18th, we commemorate the birth of Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist credited with inventing the electric battery in 1800. From powering toys and smartphones to enabling the electric vehicle revolution, batteries and accumulators are integral to modern life. However, this convenience comes with a growing environmental challenge: the proper disposal and recycling of these energy sources. As battery production increases, so does the risk of pollution and safety hazards if these devices are not managed responsibly.

From Volta’s Pile to Modern Batteries

Alessandro Volta’s groundbreaking invention, the voltaic pile, consisted of alternating discs of zinc and copper separated by cloth soaked in saltwater, producing a continuous electrical current. Alessandro Volta presented his invention to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1801, earning both scientific acclaim and noble titles. Britannica notes that the “volt,” the unit of electrical potential, is named in his honor.

While Volta’s initial design utilized zinc and copper, modern battery production relies on a wider range of materials, including nickel, cobalt, manganese, and potassium, alongside more complex technologies. In 2024, Latvia alone saw 2,685 tons of batteries placed on the market, with 1,266 tons collected for recycling. However, a significant 1,419 tons remain unaccounted for, potentially ending up in landfills or the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Battery Production

Battery production is a resource-intensive process. The creation of a single 60 kWh battery for an electric car can generate approximately 9-12 tons of CO₂ emissions – comparable to the average annual carbon footprint of a European resident. The majority of these emissions stem from the mining and processing of raw materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

Even alkaline batteries, while less energy-intensive to produce, contribute to environmental concerns. Their lower energy efficiency necessitates more frequent replacements, increasing their overall impact. The extraction of zinc and manganese dioxide, key components of alkaline batteries, can lead to soil pollution and water quality degradation.

Ethical Concerns: Sourcing of Raw Materials

The sourcing of battery materials often presents ethical challenges. Approximately half of the world’s cobalt, a crucial element in lithium-ion batteries, is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Reports from the United Nations International Children’s Fund have highlighted the use of child labor in these mines, with around 40,000 children estimated to be involved in mining activities as of 2014.

The Importance of Battery Recycling

Recycling batteries and accumulators is crucial for recovering valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, copper, aluminum, and cobalt. These recovered resources can be used to manufacture new batteries and other products. Cobalt, for example, finds applications in aircraft and rocket engines, while nickel is used in surgical instruments and kitchenware. Zinc and manganese from alkaline batteries can even be repurposed as environmentally friendly fertilizers.

Beyond material recovery, spent electric vehicle batteries can have a “second life” as temporary power sources. Japan has implemented systems where electric cars can provide emergency power during events like earthquakes and tsunamis, and similar initiatives are emerging in Europe.

The Fire Hazard of Improper Disposal

Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries poses a significant fire risk. Reports from the European Waste Management Association indicate a doubling of lithium-ion battery-related fires in French waste facilities between 2019 and 2023. Austria experiences 180-240 fires annually in waste management and recycling facilities due to batteries, while Germany sees up to 30 fires per day in waste collection and treatment centers, with lithium-ion batteries responsible for approximately 80% of these incidents.

Latvia has also experienced fires in garbage trucks caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries, as well as explosions on waste sorting lines that have damaged equipment and endangered workers. Burning batteries release toxic fumes and fine particles, contributing to air pollution.

What Can Be Done?

Individuals can play a vital role in mitigating the environmental impact of batteries by:

• Handing over used batteries and accumulators only at designated collection points (available at retail locations and through www.videspratiba.lv).
• Disposing of e-cigarettes in specialized collection containers.
• Separating batteries from electronic devices and disposing of them in designated electronic waste containers.
• Choosing rechargeable batteries.
• Avoiding unnecessary purchases.
• Selecting high-quality, durable products and ensuring their proper use to extend their lifespan.

As we celebrate the legacy of Alessandro Volta, it’s crucial to address the challenges posed by the widespread use of batteries and prioritize responsible production, recycling, and disposal practices to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future.