February 6, 2025: US lead battery recyclers’ total lead emissions to air account for less than 1% of total air lead emissions nationally, industry leaders have been told.

Updates on stringent practices involved in the sector were included in the latest semi-annual meeting of the Association of Battery Recyclers (ABR) — which featured an environmental panel on best practices for emissions control, the ABR said on January 16.

Industry experts taking part in the panel included Mark Hoffman, environmental director at Ecobat Resources, Eric Peffel, East Penn’s director of environmental affairs and Mike Casper, director of environmental engineering at Motrex.

Key topics included testing by third parties and the use of cutting-edge filtration systems to reduce emissions, dust mitigation measures such as facility washdowns and rooftop sprinklers and temporary enclosures with negative pressure during maintenance to prevent the release of fugitive (leaks and irregular) emissions.

The panel underscored the importance of pre-job planning in controlling and monitoring fugitive emissions with key recommendations included round-the-clock vigilance, regular workforce training and adherence to fugitive dust control plans.

The ABR, a not-for-profit foundation based in the US, said such panels provide invaluable opportunities for the industry to collaborate on best practices and emerging technologies, furthering their commitment to continuous improvement.