Re: Mil Surplus NICADS

["David Roden (Akron OH USA)" <roden@ald.net>]

On 30 Aug 2000, at 21:44, Doug Pratt wrote:

> Watch out hauling large nicad batteries home.  You may be setting yourself
> up for a toxic nightmare!  There are very few (if any) recycling places
> that will accept these batteries any longer.

I was told about ten years ago that the manufacturers are required to 
accept them for recycling, regardless of when they were made.  However, 
they are permitted to charge you for disposal (and I don't think there's 
any limitation on how much).  And as Doug says, you also have to pay for 
shipping.  Note:  I have only one source for this information, and as I 
say it was 10 years ago, so confirm before you get in too deep.

That said, it's worth mentioning that there is seldom any real reason to 
dispose of a good quality industrial, aircraft, or EV nicad cell or 
monoblock.  Nicads can be rebuilt many times for dozens of years of 
service.  There are companies which specialize in doing just that, mainly 
for aircraft batteries. 

Similarly, spent Safts can be returned to the manufacturer for rebuilding 
or (if they are really hopeless) recycling.


David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
1991 Solectria Force 144vac
1991 Ford Escort Green/EV 128vdc
1979 General Engines ElectroPed 24vdc
1974 Honda Civic EV 96vdc
1970 GE Elec-trak E15 36vdc
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