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Battery recycling

Celebrating Global Recycling Day

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Today, March 18th is Global Recycling day. As part of the Advancing Lead Batteries Communications Initiative (ALBCI) U.S. Battery Manufacturing and the Battery Council International urge everyone to recycle their used batteries.  The battery industry is committed to its on-going recycling efforts, which you can read more about on the BCI’s Essential Energy Everyday website.

The recycling process breaks down the outer polypropylene casings; they are then washed, melted, and extruded into small pellets. Manufacturers use these pellets to produce new battery cases as well as other plastic products. The lead oxide and lead grids of the battery’s interior are melted in a smelting furnace to form lead ingots to make new battery components. The sulfuric acid in the battery’s electrolyte is neutralized and purified into water that meets EPA clean water standards before being recirculated. The acid can also be converted into sodium sulfate during the recycling process, a compound commonly used in laundry detergent, glass, and other textiles. The process creates a sustainable energy source that is the model of recycling in the United States.

Battery recycling

Battery Manufacturing And Recycling Efforts Are The Benchmark For The Move Towards Positive Environmental Change

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This year U.S. Battery Manufacturing celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day we continue to try to make environmental improvements in the face of a new threat. While this year’s celebration will be different than in previous years, we take this moment to recognize industries and individuals who are committed to making our world a better, safer place and continue to make positive strides.

At U.S. Battery, we remain focused on responsibly producing quality batteries, which set the industry standard for cycling performance and durability. From an environmental standpoint, Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries are at the top of the list when considering recyclability. More than 99% of the materials are recycled into new batteries. This level of recycling means that 130 million used lead batteries are prevented from reaching landfills every year. These efforts have resulted in the recognition, of lead batteries, by the U.S. Environmental Agency as the most recycled consumer product.

As the battery industry continues to do its part for the environment, U.S. Battery and battery manufacturers worldwide, are also committed to providing an essential service during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our batteries are being used as backup power for call centers, hospitals, and temporary field hospitals, as well as powering the floor machines that are helping keep them clean.

While we’re proud to be a part of this effort, the U.S. Battery family would like to thank those on the frontline of fighting this dangerous disease. All of your efforts have been inspirational. Together we will get through this.

Join others in virtually celebrating Earth day by visiting the Earth Day Live event online, which features digital events that address climate change and showcase messages of hope and optimism. Visit https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-live/

Renewable Energy Storage Options: AGM vs FLA Batteries

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Energy-conscious businesses and homeowners who are looking to store energy from their wind or solar energy systems, often consider the differences between using a no-maintenance AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and an FLA (Flooded Lead-Acid) deep-cycle batteries. While each type of battery has its advantages, here are some facts that can help you make the right decision for your particular application.

 

Higher Cost, Lower Maintenance

 

If you want a low maintenance renewable energy system’s battery bank, a set of AGM batteries are the ideal choice. Deep-cycle models can be successfully used for energy storage. Because they are sealed and featured glass matt separators that retain all of the electrolyte without water, there’s no need to periodically add water.

 

The drawback, according to U.S. Battery Senior VP of Engineering Fred Wehmeyer, is the cost. “AGM batteries typically cost from 25 to 50 percent more per watt-hour compared to FLA batteries,” says Wehmeyer. “Besides, AGM batteries may also not last as long as premium FLA batteries used in these types of applications.”

 

Lower Cost, Higher Maintenance

 

When lower total operating costs are the goal, FLA batteries offer the lowest cost per watt-hour than any other type of battery storage system available. According to Wehmeyer, deep-cycle FLA batteries are robust and have been used very successfully for energy storage for several decades. “Less expensive than AGM batteries, FLA batteries offer the best cost per watt-hour than any other energy storage method available,” says Wehmeyer.

 

If you’re not opposed to routine maintenance, Wehmeyer adds that premium FLA batteries (those with higher lead content) will last longer than AGM batteries. Because FLA batteries lose water from evaporation during charging, they need to be regularly replenished, as well as cleaning and checking the terminals. Wehmeyer also recommends to occasionally performing an equalization charge on FLA battery banks used for energy storage. “Equalization charging is extremely important to optimize the life of renewable energy batteries,” he says. “It is used to both balance the individual cells in a battery pack and to mix the electrolyte through gassing to prevent electrolyte stratification.”

 

Gaining Optimum Performance From Both

 

No matter what type of batteries you choose for your renewable energy storage, deep-cycle batteries work best when the depth of discharge of your battery bank is kept to 50-percent. “For best performance and longest life, the batteries should be fully recharged regularly,” says Wehmeyer. “Depending on the source of recharge provided (solar, wind, generator, or AC power), full charging may not always be possible every day. Most batteries can operate efficiently in a partial state of charge condition as long a full charge is done at least every 30 days.”

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia Visits California Battery Plant

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia Visits California Battery Plant

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On September 26, 2019, representatives from U.S. Battery and Battery Council International were pleased to host Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) at U.S. Battery’s manufacturing facility in the city of Corona. Assemblywoman Garcia is an author of AB-142, the Lead Battery Recycling Act (2016) which requires the Department of Toxic Substances Control to investigate and clean up properties impacted by closed lead battery recycling facilities. Additionally, the legislation stabilizes the funding for the program by increasing the current fee on battery manufacturers and making it permanent.

The facility tour showcased U.S. Battery’s process for manufacturing deep-cycle batteries, which are used for a variety of consumer and commercial applications, including energy storage to support solar and wind energy generation, and zero emissions backup power systems. These applications will be especially important in California, which leads the nation in the fight against climate change and has established ambitious goals to curb emissions of climate-forcing pollutants. To achieve these goals, the state will need to avail itself of all viable clean energy technologies, including lead batteries.

The U.S. Battery manufacturing facility is part of the lead battery industry’s overall contribution to California’s economy:

  • 3,056 jobs
  • $195.9 million in annual labor income,
  • $332.9 million in annual gross state product (GSP),
  • $998.6 million in annual output (overall economic benefit), and
  • $92.9 million in annual government revenue.

These benefits are widespread and support a variety of industries throughout California. For details on the economic contribution of the lead battery industry, visit: www.essentialenergyeveryday.com

Children participating in Physics Bus experiments

U.S. Battery Manufacturing Continues Support For Physics Factory’s Efforts To Educate Students Using Renewable Energy

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Jumping Mahi Mahi

U.S. Battery Manufacturing Sponsors Homeowners Of Punta Chivato, Baja Mexico In Their Annual Bulls Only Dorado Fishing Tournament

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The community of Punta Chivato in Baja California, Mexico is an area where most of the homes utilize solar power, many using U.S. Battery RE deep-cycle batteries for energy storage. Over the years, the homeowners have organized into a non-profit association that raises money for the local schools, as well as many other charitable organizations, with an annual fishing tournament that is now in its 23rd year. “Our first Dorado Fishing Tournament was in 1996,” said Bill Knerr, one of the event organizers. “We take donations and contributions from sponsors like U.S. Battery Manufacturing and at the end of our fiscal year (April), we either write checks or set up lines of credit at merchant’s stores, whichever is appropriate for a particular charity. U.S. Battery has been in our community for many years and their products continue to be a reliable source for energy storage.”

The 23rd Dorado Fishing Tournament takes place June 21st through the 23rd and offers cash prizes up to $1000 for the largest Dorado caught. “U.S. Battery is happy to continue supporting the homeowners in Punta Chivato not only because of their use of our products but also for their work supporting area schools and other local charities,” says Michael Coad, VP Sales & Marketing at U.S. Battery Manufacturing.

Additional information on U.S. Battery’s RE-Series deep-cycle batteries designed for energy storage is available on the U.S. Battery website at www.usbattery.com.

U.S. Battery Manufacturing A Sponsor For The 2018 Bulls Only Dorado Fishing Tournament In Baja Mexico

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U.S. Battery Manufacturing continues to be one of several annual sponsors of the Bulls Only Dorado Fishing Tournament held in Punta Chivato, Baja California, Mexico. “Residents of this small fishing town of Punta Chivato are mostly U.S. citizens who have vacation homes that successfully use solar and wind power, and store energy using U.S. Battery RE-Series products,” says Don Wallace, U.S. Battery CMO/ Executive VP, Sales and Marketing. “The proceeds from the annual tournament support local schools, retirement homes, and charities, so we’re happy to continue to help the tournament with our support.”

usb_re_all3_med_xc2logo-webThis tournament hosted its 21st annual gathering of sports fishermen who go out and try to hook the largest Dorado (Mahi-mahi). This year, the winning fish was 38-pounds, caught by Mike Bower, according to BD Outdoors.com’s fishing report. The annual tournament took place June 23rd to the 25th and offered up to $1,000 for the largest fish, along with $500 and $250 in prize money for second and third place anglers. The event also offers participants numerous raffle prizes, including certificates for U.S Battery’s RE L16 XC2 deep-cycle batteries that many of the townspeople use to store energy from their solar and wind systems.

 For additional information on U.S. Battery RE-Series Deep-Cycle Batteries, contact U.S. Battery Manufacturing, 1675 Sampson Ave. Corona, CA 92879. (800) 695-0945. Visit https://www.usbattery.com.