The first critical step in spent lithium battery recycling is figuring out one thing: does the battery still hold any charge?
A spent battery that seems dead may actually have residual power. Mishandling it can easily trigger short circuits, fires, or even explosions. Here are some simple, practical methods to quickly tell if a battery has charge left—no complex equipment required.
First, inspect the appearance. A battery with a swollen case, leaking electrolyte, or damaged shell is not to be taken lightly. It may still contain unstable residual power, making it even more dangerous. A battery in good external condition, on the other hand, is highly likely to retain charge and requires careful handling.
Second, measure the voltage. This is the most reliable method, using a multimeter set to DC voltage mode. If a ternary lithium battery registers ≥2.5V, or a lithium iron phosphate battery ≥2.0V, it still has charge. If the voltage falls below these thresholds, the battery is basically considered to have no effective charge left—but do not attempt to disassemble it yourself.
Finally, remember this golden rule: never take apart a spent lithium battery on your own, regardless of its charge status. Leave professional work to the experts, and rely on specialized recycling equipment for safety.
Jiangxi Mingxin’s environmental recycling equipment is equipped with a complete set of processes including battery discharging, shredding, and sorting, ensuring a fully safe and worry-free recycling process for spent lithium batteries.
