An Australian recycling company is recycling old batteries and turning them into fertiliser for crops, in an effort to stop them from ending up in landfill.
Envirostream, part of Lithium Australia, recycles all kinds of batteries. From alkaline types – the type used in remotes, kids toys and torches – Envirostream takes zinc and manganese, a source of fertiliser micronutrients.
“Globally, the disposal of alkaline batteries has become a major problem,” said Adrian Griffin, managing director of Lithium Australia, in a press release. “Our plan is not only a significant step towards worldwide environmental management of the issue but could also have a powerful influence on the sustainability of disposable batteries.”
Envirostream is collaborating with Summit Fertilizers, a leading fertiliser supplier established in 1989 that has over the years introduced a number of innovations to the West Australian market. Summit recently provided access to three additional trial sites, two with wheat and one with lupins, to assess Envirostream products.