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News | January 16, 2025

Industry Collaboration Supports Environmental Excellence

Evergreen trees with a blue sky and lake demonstrating environmental excellence.

North American lead battery recyclers are deeply committed to achieving the highest levels of environmental protection in their operations. To foster this goal, the Association of Battery Recyclers (ABR) hosts semiannual meetings where industry leaders come together to share knowledge, discuss innovations, and collaborate on best practices.

At the recent ABR meeting, members participated in an environmental panel on best practices for emissions control, featuring insights from industry experts, including Mark Hoffman, Environmental Director at Ecobat Resources; Eric Peffel, Director of Environmental Affairs at East Penn Manufacturing Co.; and Mike Casper, Director of Environmental Engineering at Motrex LLC. The session highlighted the industry’s dedication to maintaining stringent environmental standards and continuously improving processes to safeguard employees, communities, and the environment.

Lead battery recycling facility rooftop sprinkler to control emissions for environmental excellence.

Innovative Emissions Control Strategies

During the panel discussion, representatives shared insights into effective approaches for minimizing emissions, including the use of advanced monitoring systems, strategic facility design, and proactive maintenance protocols. These practices exemplify how lead battery recyclers integrate technology and expertise to address environmental challenges.

Key topics included:

  • Stack testing by a third party and the use of cutting-edge filtration systems to reduce emissions.
  • Dust mitigation measures, such as facility washdowns and rooftop sprinklers.
  • Temporary enclosures with negative pressure for maintenance tasks to prevent the release of fugitive emissions.
Lead battery recycler with truck spraying water on pavement for a facility washdown to control emissions.

The Role of a Safety-First Culture

Emissions control doesn’t rely on technology alone—it’s grounded in a robust, safety-first culture. Participants at the meeting emphasized that fostering this culture is essential for effective environmental stewardship and ensuring operations meet the highest standards.

A multifaceted approach to emissions control integrates several key elements, including indoor air quality, building and process design, and outdoor environmental considerations. By combining these technical measures with enhanced management and work practices, companies can create a comprehensive system for monitoring and reducing emissions.

Success in emissions control stems from aligning corporate expectations with a safety-first mindset. This alignment ensures teams are trained and equipped to address challenges proactively. Dedicated housekeeping teams and strong internal response protocols allow companies to react immediately to potential issues, minimizing risk and maintaining compliance.

This culture of safety not only supports the technical aspects of emissions control but also reinforces the industry’s broader commitment to protecting employees, communities, and the environment.

Planning Ahead and Choosing the Right Partners

The panel underscored the importance of pre-job planning in controlling and monitoring fugitive emissions. Key recommendations included:

Diligence 24/7/365 — emissions control involves constant vigilance.
Workforce training to establish good practices, including managing the movement of lead from interior to exterior spaces.
Adherence to fugitive dust control plans, covering equipment maintenance, building exits, and roadway surfaces.

Protecting the Environment for Everyone

ABR member companies and their employees work every day to ensure the safety of the environment for the communities in which we live and work. As a result of these efforts, U.S. lead battery recyclers’ total lead emissions to air account for less than 1% of total U.S. air lead emissions.

Panels like this provide invaluable opportunities for the industry to collaborate on best practices and emerging technologies, furthering their commitment to continuous improvement.

Learn more about the industry’s environmental best practices.

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