Repurposing vs. Recycling guide

When we receive batteries we need to make the decision to Repurpose or Recycle via destruction?
In either instance, we guarantee the best rates Australia wide for recycling and re-use, but the certain considerations need to be addressed before determining the outcome of the battery. Not every battery is destined for the scrap heap. Some still have life left in them—and others need urgent, safe disposal. Here’s how to tell the difference, and what SL Batteries can do for you.

✅ Repurpose-Ready Batteries:

These units may be eligible for testing, refurbishment, or second-life applications.

Look for:

• 🔋 Healthy voltage — Holds charge within safe range

• 🧪 Stable chemistry — No signs of overheating or instability

• 📉 Low cycle count — Used in low-demand settings or within 70% State of Health (SoH)

• 🔍 Known history — Traceable usage and handling

• 🧰 No damage — No swelling, leakage, or corrosion

What we do:

SL Batteries offers diagnostic testing and safe repurposing pathways for eligible batteries. These may be reused in solar storage, low-demand systems, or community energy projects.

🚫 Recycle-Only Batteries

These pose safety risks or have reached end-of-life.

Look for:

• ⚠️ Swelling or leakage — Physical damage or electrolyte leak

• 🔌 Dead voltage — No charge or unstable output or cells below minimum voltage. A low voltage at the output terminals of the battery does not necessarily mean it is dead, other factors such as a faulty BMS, cell imbalance or hardware failures can appear like low voltage cells when doing initial tests.

• ❓ Unknown origin — No traceability or usage history

• 🔥 Thermal damage — Signs of overheating or fire risk

• ⏳ High fatigue — Extensive use in high-demand environments and low SoH.

What we do with these batteries:

SL Batteries ensures compliant, environmentally sound recycling through certified partners. We recover valuable materials and prevent harm to people and planet. By doing pre-processing, disassembly and electrical discharge of these cells we recover more value out of them before sending them directly to traditional metal recovery facilities.

 

Why It Matters

Repurposing extends battery life and reduces waste. Recycling recovers materials and prevents environmental harm by increasing recycling yield and incentivizing higher recycling rates.

Unsure of what to do? Send us a photo and description of your battery to:

econtact@slbatteries.com.au