Recycling medical batteries

The recycling of medical batteries is essential for environmental preservation and legal compliance. The sector must follow specific rules, especially those established by Law No. 13,879/2019 and guidelines from the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR). The proper handling of these batteries helps to mitigate the environmental impacts of improper disposal, especially due to the presence of heavy metals and toxic compounds. It is essential to adopt technological processes that make it possible to recover the materials and safely dispose of the remaining waste.

Importance of recycling medical batteries

Medical circuits and devices often use rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries to ensure stable operation and mobility of equipment such as portable defibrillators and monitors. At the end of their useful life, these batteries become hazardous waste. Recycling is a strategy to reduce public health and environmental impacts, avoiding contamination of soil and water by heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which are present in various types of batteries.

Applicable standards and legislation

The proper management of this waste is regulated mainly by the Law No. 12.305/2010 (National Solid Waste Policy - PNRS), which determines the integrated and sustainable management of solid waste, and by Conama Resolution No. 401/2008, which provides for the environmentally appropriate disposal of hazardous waste. In addition, Law No. 13,879/2019 revises specific processes for medical equipment, emphasizing safe handling and technical responsibility for correct disposal.

Procedures for recycling

The process begins with segregating the batteries, identifying their chemical composition (nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, lead-acid, among others). Specialized laboratories dismantle and neutralize the hazardous components, using authorized techniques to recover the metals and reuse the materials. Recycling ensures that the amount of waste sent to landfills is minimized, reducing toxic gas emissions and the effect of environmental contamination.

Safe collection and disposal

The correct logistics for collection and transport are essential. To carry out electronic waste collection that includes medical batteries, it is recommended that you book with centers that comply with current environmental legislation and have technical compliance certifications. These processes ensure that disposal takes place with maximum environmental safety and in compliance with the guidelines of the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR).

Security in sanitizing devices

When batteries are part of devices that store sensitive data, such as diagnostic and monitoring equipment, in addition to recycling, it is necessary to ensure the secure sanitization of media to avoid information leakage. To do this, specialized technical protocols are followed that ensure the physical and/or logical destruction of data, in line with current regulations.

Environmental and economic benefits

Recycling batteries reduces the demand for mineral extraction, preserving natural resources and reducing pollutant emissions. From an economic point of view, the recovery of metals has significant commercial value, as well as minimizing costs associated with the treatment of hazardous waste. Implementing structured recycling programs contributes to compliance with environmental legislation and a respectable institutional image in the market.

Final considerations

Decision-makers in the areas of ESG, EHS, purchasing, IT and legal must ensure robust processes for handling and recycling medical batteries. Adherence to solid waste legislation, combined with advanced recycling and sanitization technologies, promotes sustainability and mitigates environmental and information security risks. Implementing these mechanisms becomes a competitive differentiator and a commitment to public health and the environment.