Environmental
Nickel-Cadmium cell disposal
Nickel-Cadmium cells are used in transceivers, portable power tools and appliances, medical equipment as well as emergency lighting systems. Used Ni-Cd cells form the most hazardous waste because of cadmium and nickel composition. Cadmium is a cancer causing agent. It causes severe lung damage, permanent kidney damage, and anemia, loss of smell, nausea, diarrhea and even death in some cases. Hence proper battery disposal is of utmost priority. It basically uses a thermal recovery process. The metals get recovered under high temperatures. This technology has been determined by the U.S EPA as the Best Demonstrated Available Technology for cadmium disposal. Cadmium reclaimed will be returned to Ni-Cd manufacturers. Nickel and iron form part of the remelt alloy that is used to make stainless steel. The scrap batteries which otherwise are landfiled are now recycled completely. This promotes good environmental stewardship of spent Nickel-Cadmium batteries.