Lead recycling
Lead has one of the highest recycling rates of all common use materials today. At ASM Metal Recycling, we specialise in the collection and recycling of scrap lead, maximising its recyclable uses in an economical and environmentally friendly fashion.
Around 85% of lead is now used in lead batteries, all of which are recoverable and recyclable. In fact, lead-acid batteries are the most recycled consumer product on the planet; and more than half of the lead produced and utilised globally every year has been used previously in other products.
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Why recycle lead with ASM?
Lead is mined as a natural element, which means the overall quality of recycled lead is virtually identical to that of primary lead. It doesn’t lose quality through the process of being recycled. In fact, more lead is now being produced through recycling than it is through mining. Lead that’s mined is effectively used to ‘top up’ the lead that is already being circulated through efficient recycling.
The recycling of lead goes a long way to sustainable development, taking the strain from non-renewable resources and reducing CO2 emissions using energy efficient recovery methods.
ASM works to get you the best price possible
You can learn more about scrap metal prices to see how we calculate the price of your scrap, but at our recycling centres, we always offer our customers the most up-to-date prices for lead. We specialise in scrap metal recycling (and have done for over 55 years).
ASM has an eco-friendly approach
Our green approach to recycling is beneficial for both our customers and the environment. ASM is fully accredited with the ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 and is fully licensed by The Environment Agency. All our sites are registered and 100% compliant with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
ASM is efficient
We use the latest processing technology at our recycling sites to make sure our processes are the most energy and time-efficient. We also work to improve the safety and efficiency of recycling all scrap metals and vehicles.
What lead items can be recycled?
A majority of the lead recycled is in the form of batteries because virtually all parts of a lead-based battery are recyclable. Even the polypropylene plastic casing can be used elsewhere and the sulphuric acid within the batteries is turned into gypsum for use in plasterboard, or as fertiliser on agricultural farmland.
So, as more than four-fifths of present-day global lead usage is in lead-based batteries, let’s take a look at the recycling process:
Once the batteries have been transported and unloaded at the recycling facility, the batteries are broken apart and separated into three different components before the recycling process:
- Plastic casing recovered from battery cases and covers are turned into pellets before being manufactured into new cases and covers.
- The lead ingots from the battery grids and other lead-based battery parts and lead-oxide are used to manufacture lead for recycled grids, parts and lead oxide.
- Electrolytes are used in two different ways:
- Sodium sulphate crystals are separated from used electrolytes and recycled and sold for use in textiles, glass, and detergents.
- Some used electrolytes are reclaimed and reused as part of the manufacture of new lead-based batteries. Some recyclers simply prefer to neutralise the electrolytes and send them away to a water treatment plant.
Get in touch today
If you have end-of-life lead batteries or any other scrap lead, ASM Metal Recycling can give you the best possible prices. Scrap metal prices can change by the day, sometimes by the hour, so we utilise the most advanced digital scales to provide you the most accurate weight and value of your scrap lead, guaranteeing you the fairest price.
Find your local depot here, or check out our scrap metal collection services.