Host: Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management
In recent decades, remarkable development in field of electronic industry has arisen needs of light-weight, portable design. Occurrence of the electronic devices is strongly associated with development and enhancement of batteries. Batteries are generally categorized into primary (non-chargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) forms. Primary batteries include alkalis-manganese battery, mercury battery, lithium battery, and others. In Korea, used batteries such as lithium battery, Ni-Cd battery, and silver oxide cell have been managed by the extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy since 2003, while in 2008 manganese battery, alkaline manganese cell, and Ni-MH battery were included to stimulate recycling of the waste from consumers and to simultaneously reduce of their negative effects on the environment. This study presents current recycling and management practices of used batteries, especially focusing on material flow, recycling processes, and physical and financial responsibility of used batteries in Korea. The data required for this study was collected from literature review, statistical data provided by the Korea Ministry of Environment (MOE), discussion with the experts, survey and field visits to the local government and recycling facilities.
