ASSOCIATES

Recycling

BESS-type lithium batteries are a new technological product, and the Greek market does not currently have (at least for the time being) recycling infrastructure for Li-ion/LFP batteries in the form of battery packs. Therefore, PRO RE-BESS IFAISTOS enters into partnerships with recyclers abroad, either directly or through partner collectors, in order to export the generated waste for further management. In the event that licensed recycling facilities for such waste are developed domestically, PRO RE-BESS IFAISTOS will evaluate the possibility of cooperating with those facilities in accordance with the regulatory framework as it shall apply at that time. The associate companies managing Li-ion/LFP battery waste in the form of battery packs provide the PRO with quantitative recycling efficiency data in accordance with the requirements of EU Regulation 1542/2023.

Processing Stages

Recycling of Li-ion/LFP battery waste in the form of battery packs can be achieved through mechanical separation, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, as well as through a combination thereof.

Indicatively, the processing stages of a Li-ion/LFP battery pack waste recycling facility are presented below.

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Pre-processing – Mechanical Separation

The first stage of Li-ion battery waste management in the form of battery packs takes place through mechanical separation. The waste is disassembled and then subjected to mechanical processing. During this process, various machines are used, such as hammer mills, granulating machines, and crushers, through which plastic, aluminium, copper, and iron are recovered. However, through mechanical separation it is difficult to achieve the complete separation of all materials, and for this reason further processing is required.

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Pyrometallurgical Process

Through this process, various metals (e.g. nickel, cobalt) and in particular lithium are recovered. To make this possible, the pyrometallurgical process uses high temperatures, with the aim of removing organic materials and rendering the lithium water-soluble.

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Hydrometallurgical Process

Hydrometallurgy is a method widely used in the management of Li-ion battery waste for the extraction of lithium. It is safer, more cost-effective, and more efficient. Pre-processing is carried out in an acidic and alkaline environment, and subsequently, through leaching, a Li⁺ solution is obtained from which lithium is extracted.

Associate organisations

Batrec Industrie AG

44 Niesenstrasse Str.
3752 Wimmis
Switzerland

Duesenfeld GmbH

8 Rothbergstabe Str.
38176 Wendeburg
Germany

SNAM

Avenue Jean Jaures
12110 Viviez
France

ACCUREC-Recycling GmbH

Bataver str. 21
47809 Krefeld
Germany