To ensure that hybrid batteries are returned to Toyota, each
battery has a phone number on it to call for recycling
information. Salvage companies that want to get a battery
recycled can present it to any Toyota dealer and receive a
$150 core reward.
Toyota has been recycling NiMH batteries since the RAV4
Electric Vehicle was introduced in 1998. Every part of the
battery, from the precious metals to the plastic, plates,
steel case and the wiring, are recycled or processed for
disposal.
At the recycler, the battery modules are separated from the
wire harness, controller and metal shell (all common
materials that are recycled).
Using a first generation Prius battery as an example:
- After the above mentioned parts are removed, there
are 89 pounds of batteries.
- The plates are removed from the cases leaving 11
pounds of plastic cases and 78 pounds of
plates/chemicals/and absorbent materials.
- The plastic cases (Polypropylene) are recycled
similar to any other consumer plastic.
- Of the remaining 78 pounds, we extract 32 pounds of
nickel that is sold into the steel industry as an alloy
to make stainless steel, four pounds of cobalt that is
used in a variety of industries -- other batteries and
super alloys, and five pounds of common alloy steel
(terminals and intercell connectors).
- The remaining materials and chemicals are processed
for recycling or disposed in an environmentally friendly
fashion following local, state, and federal regulations.
