Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling

Lead-acid batteries are used in cars, off-grid solar energy applications or back-up power systems. Under the right conditions, used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) can be effectively recycled and the high market price of lead can make this a profitable business. However, in many world regions recycling takes place in sub-standard, highly dangerous and unsafe conditions that release toxic lead-compounds to the workplace and surrounding environment. Lead exposure causes various severe short-, mid- and long-term, potentially fatal health impacts. According to UNICEF, up to 800 million children mostly in low- and middle-income countries have elevated blood lead levels, carrying the danger of lifelong consequences. Substandard recycling practices are a major driver.

Nigeria is host to one of the largest lead-acid battery recycling industries in Sub-Saharan Africa with at least ten facilities conducting battery recycling on an industrial scale, mainly for exporting recovered non-ferrous metals. The project aims to support upgrades to the Nigerian ULAB-recycling sector through working with regulatory authorities to incentivise and enforce improvements. At the same time, opportunities to invest in upgrades to facilities will be created through market demand for high-standard recycling through a coalition of solar companies demanding responsible battery disposal solutions and international companies sourcing secondary raw materials from approved facilities.