End of Life and Environmental Decommissioning of Batteries

Identification and Classification of Battery Types

Identify battery chemistries: Lithium-ion variants (NMC, LFP, NCA) – used in Tesla, BYD, VW; Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) – older hybrids (e.g., Toyota Prius); Solid-state and their characteristics (energy density, safety, lifespan); Use diagnostic tools to verify battery type and status (voltage, capacity, SoH); Use diagnostic tools to verify battery type and status (series vs. parallel, 400V and 800V architecture).

Understand the key recycling operations for low voltage batteries.

Area requirements such as temperature, signage, safety systems and ventilation; purpose and function of battery cutting machine and hydro separation tank. Recycling of plastic and acid neutralisation. Waste discharge and environmental disposal (incl. permits, ABTO, approved persons and appropriate legislation/regulations.

Understand the key recycling operations for high voltage batteries

Purpose of the weight station, de-energising, disassembly process, line transport process, nitrogen shredding, removal of liquid electrolyte, mass sieves, magnetic removal of particles, non-magnetic separation, storage and environmental disposal (incl. repurposing).

Demonstrate the disassembly of a battery pack.

Use of PPE, preparation of work area, risk assessment, tools and equipment, assess and ensure battery is safe to dismantle, dismantling process and recording of results/findings.

Understand the safe handling and risk management around end-of-life preparation.

Health and Safety requirements and legislation (including future legislation on minimum levels of recycled content), risks associated with end of life battery preparation, dynamic risk assessments.

Understand the waste refuge process for batteries.

Onsite storage requirements, methods of containment, safe methods of collection and safe and secure methods of waste movement.