A battery or accumulator means any source of electrical energy generated by direct conversion of chemical energy and consisting of one or more primary battery cells (non-rechargeable) or consisting of one or more secondary battery cells (rechargeable).
Batteries (accumulators) contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and are consequently often very toxic, so they command a specific method of recycling.
The majority of waste batteries (accumulators) are classified as hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste comprises lead batteries, nickel-cadmium catteries, batteries containing mercury, and separately collected electrolytes from batteries and accumulators.
The main advantage of recycling batteries is a reduction in the primary production of materials and energy generating products, and the emissions of mercury, lead, and cadmium in the environment.