Recycle My Battery
Recycling Intermediate and High Voltage (IV/HV) Batteries from GM Hybrid Vehicles
Introduction
GM hybrid vehicles contain a new intermediate voltage (IV) or high voltage (HV) battery pack. These batteries store the energy generated by the vehicle (e.g. when braking the vehicle to a stop) for future use (electric mode).
There are several battery types that are currently being used or investigated for use in hybrid vehicles. The most common are the nickel metal hydride (NiMH). However, there is research into new types of batteries which are Lithium Ion (Li-ion) based.
It is important to understand that these new “IV/HV” batteries can be recycled (and in some cases reconditioned). Recycling of batteries conserves natural resources since metals within the batteries can be recycled. In the case of the NiMH battery, the primary metal for recovery is nickel. For Lithium-Ion based batteries, the cobalt and/or lithium may be recovered.
You are responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the management of IV/HV batteries generated at your facility. Please note that state and/or local laws can be more stringent than federal regulations, so be sure to check all three. For a list of state environmental agencies, go to http://www.epa.gov/epahome/state.htm. For local contacts, check your local government listings in your phone book.
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