Journey Batteries Second Life | Frontaliere Ticino
Journey Batteries Second Life — free tools and expert guides for cross-border workers (frontalieri) between Switzerland and Italy. Compare salaries, tax, LAMal health insurance, pensions, and cost of living in Ticino. Updated 2026.
Context
Batteries have become an essential component of our daily lives, finding use in a wide range of devices, from electric toothbrushes to smartphones, cars to electric bicycles. But what happens when these batteries reach the end of their lifecycle? How are they recycled, and what precious materials can be recovered? The journey of batteries towards a second life often begins at a waste collection centre, such as the one in Locarno. Here, skilled workers carefully dismantle the batteries from electronic devices, a meticulous and delicate process. As Roger Blesi, General Manager of Groupe Barec, one of Switzerland's leading recyclers, points out, "there are more and more batteries, and devices are getting smaller and smaller", making the extraction process even more complex. The inherent danger of extracting lithium batteries is the risk of fire. "These batteries can catch fire at any time", Blesi warns, adding that "every day there is a fire in a recycling plant in Switzerland". For this reason, the recycling process must be managed with extreme attention and precision. Once extracted, the batteries are sent to Ecublens, in the canton of Vaud, where Groupe Barec's warehouses are located. Here, the batteries are classified and separated according to their type and chemical composition. The group recycles various types of materials, including electrical and electronic waste, for a total of 5,000 tonnes per year. The next stop on the batteries' journey is Wimmis, in the Bernese Oberland. Here is located Batrec, a subsidiary of the Veolia group, which recycles virtually all the batteries in Switzerland. Every year, Batrec receives around 3,700 tonnes of batteries, of which about 30% are lithium batteries. Historically, the site recycled alkaline batteries through a pyrom...
Operational details
Battery recycling is a regulated process in Switzerland, with specific regulations ensuring the proper management and recovery of valuable materials. The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is the body responsible for waste management, including electronic waste and batteries. FOEN has established a set of directives and standards for battery recycling, which must be adhered to by all collection and recycling centres in Switzerland. Batteries, once collected, are classified according to their type and chemical composition. This classification process is crucial to determine the most appropriate recycling method. Lithium batteries, for example, require specific treatment due to their potential fire risk. The recycling of lithium batteries is a mechanical process, as explained earlier. The batteries are crushed, and the different metals are separated through a mechanical separation process. This method is preferred over chemical or thermal methods, as it reduces the risk of harmful emissions and ensures a more efficient recovery of materials. Once the metals are separated, they are sent to specialised plants for the extraction of pure metals. The extraction process varies depending on the metal, but in general, it involves refining and purification techniques to obtain high-quality metals suitable for reintroduction into the production of new batteries or for other industrial purposes. Battery recycling not only reduces the environmental impact but also has a positive economic impact. Recovering valuable materials from batteries reduces dependence on natural resources and lowers the production costs of new batteries. Additionally, recycling creates job opportunities in the recycling and waste management sector, contributing to sustainable economic development....
Key points
Battery recycling is a complex process, but it is fundamental for environmental sustainability and economic development. As cross-border workers in Ticino, it is important to be aware of the impact of our actions on the environment and to actively contribute to the management of electronic waste. To ensure the proper disposal of batteries, it is important to follow some simple rules. Firstly, it is crucial not to throw used batteries into household waste or down the drains. These batteries must be taken to designated collection centres, where they will be dismantled and recycled safely and responsibly. In Ticino, there are several waste collection centres that accept used batteries. You can find out more from your local municipality or the Cantonal Office for the Environment to find the centres closest to you. Additionally, many electronics stores and supermarkets also offer collection services for used batteries. To facilitate the recycling process, it is advisable to separate the batteries from electronic devices before taking them to the collection centre. This helps operators dispose of the batteries more efficiently and safely. Finally, it is important to be aware that battery recycling is a costly and complex process. For this reason, it is essential to reduce the use of disposable batteries as much as possible, opting instead for rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries last longer and can be recycled multiple times, thus reducing the environmental impact and disposal costs. For more information on battery recycling and electronic waste management, you can visit the website of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) or contact the body directly. Additionally, on our site, Frontaliere Ticino, you can find our salary calculator, a useful tool to ca...