Value of Scrap Lead

The value of scrap metal can change daily, depending on market price fluctuations. The value of scrap lead per kilogram depends on the quality and grade (e.g., mixed scrap lead, scrap lead battery and scrap lead plate). The value of scrap lead ranges from $0.50 to $3.00 per kilogram. The biggest advantage of lead metal is that it can be used long after it was manufactured.

Lead Scrap Sources

The principle source of scrap lead for recycling in the United States is lead acid batteries. A lead acid battery typically contains 40 to 60 percent recoverable lead. Other sources of scrap lead include construction materials such as oil piping, telephone and electricity cables, printing metals and radiation shielding. Another potential source of scrap lead is the huge accumulation of e-waste from discarded electronic products.

All over the world, two specifications for recyclable lead prevail: The scrap lead must contain least 99.90 percent lead or it must contain at least 99.97 percent lead. Scrap lead commonly also contains impurities, including arsenic, bismuth, antimony, copper, tin, nickel, silver and zinc, and in some cases, selenium and tellurium. The limit on the content of lead impurities is 0.1 to 0.3 percent of the total mass.

During the past 10 to 20 years, scrap lead recycling processes have changed substantially. These changes have occurred due to environmental laws, and advances and changes in technology. The major raw material used in scrap lead recycling is starter batteries from motor vehicles. The percentage of scrap from lead acid batteries is expected to increase with the increasing number of vehicles around the world.

Scrap lead recycling workers are at risk for lead exposure. Workers can carry lead dust into their homes on their clothing and shoes. Lead poisoning can also result from eating lead-contaminated foods. Lead is harmful to the brain and can cause cognitive deficiencies especially in infants, children and young adults. Proper ventilation and exhaust systems are important while cutting large pieces of scrap lead. Mechanical cutting devices such as power saws and shears are preferable to torch cutting.