Each year lithium batteries are used in more applications than ever before. These applications vary widely from power tools to electric vehicles. The lithium battery is best suited in most cases due to its long life, high voltage, low cost, wide operating temperature range, and light weight. There are, however, disadvantages associated with this type battery as well.
Many scenarios can lead to fires and or release of toxic gasses.
In most situations used lithium batteries are considered a hazardous waste and must be disposed of according to strict EPA requirements. ToxCo is the largest recycling facility for lithium batteries. Through certified recycling, ToxCo reduces amounts of hazardous waste and recovers marketable products from this waste. Established in May 1984, ToxCo is the world leader in lithium battery recycling. From a state of the art facility in Trail, British Columbia, ToxCo recycles approximately two million pounds of lithium batteries annually.