Managing and disposing Used Lead Acid Batteries - ULABs�Experience in MERCOSUR� �Lilian Corra�Global Alliance on Health and Pollution - GAHP
The production of LABs account for about 85%
of total demand for primary lead.
Global refined lead production reached 11.9 million metric tons,
comprising both:
(lead extracted from mined ores), and
(mainly recycled lead).
Notably, around 85% to 90% of recycled lead originates from
used lead-acid batteries (ULABs).
While primary production remains important,
secondary lead production plays a critical role in meeting global demand, particularly for applications such as lead-acid batteries.
However, despite high recycling rates in some regions,
informal and unsafe recycling practices,
particularly in low- and middle-income countries,
result in significant resource and economic losses
and creates severe health and environmental hazards.
In some developing countries,
over 85% of ULABs are processed informally.
other components such as sulfur acid and plastics
are highly contaminated with lead.
may contain lead levels of up 10,000 ppm.
Highly lead polluted plastics are often burned in the open or are poorly recycled.
Highly lead polluted sulfuric acid may be dumped into the environment or reused as precursor for unregulated purposes,
both posing substantial environmental and health risks.
Impact on the Lead-Acid Battery Industry
GAHP has increased visibility and prompted voluntary actions from the lead-acid battery industry, particularly in MERCOSUR countries.
GAHP’s strategy combines:
- multisectoral dialogue, and
- data-driven decision-making tools
(mass balance on LABs and ULABs)
Under the extended producer responsibility approach,
used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) in “sealed” units
should be returned to producers for formal recycling,
enabling the recovery of components for new battery production,
and reducing both production costs and prices.
Ensuring the proper return of used sealed units also helps prevent informal dismantling; a significant issue that drives illicit trafficking.
Recognizing Lead Pollution and Toxicity
Cost of inaction:
Informal management of ULABs generates severe lead pollution,
with significant Public Health and productivity impacts.
The World Bank estimated in 2023
that lead exposure
involves a global cost reaching US$6 trillion.
77% accounted for the welfare costs of cardiovascular disease mortality, 23% represented the present value of future productivity losses.
These impacts are disproportionately felt in LMICs,
with significant consequences for
productivity, economic stability and development.
A Step Toward Solving Lead Pollution
An important step towards a collaborative solution:
On January 7, 2025, a Presidential Decree was published endorsing the Brazilian National Congress's amendment to Article 49 of Law No 12.305 (2010), which governs the National Policy on Solid Waste.
This amendment aims to transform hazardous waste management in the country by promoting circular economy principles and comprehensive recycling.
This amendment allows Brazilian importers and manufacturers to reintroduce solid waste derived from domestically produced and exported products, including hazardous waste, strictly for comprehensive recycling within reverse logistics systems.
After years of hosting multi sectoral dialogue
led by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP)
the issues of lead-related disease burden and pollution
from informal ULABs management
have been successfully brought to the forefront.
The multi sectoral dialogue was established within the framework of MERCOSUR ’s Subgroup 6 on Environment (SGT 6)
and with the participation of the private sector
(including ISWA and ABRABAT).
This sustained effort is now yielding tangible results,
with actions identified to overcome barriers and drive necessary reforms,
achieved through the participation and commitment of all sectors,
resulting in a win-win outcome..
A Long Journey of Multisectoral Dialogue
GAHP continues to prioritize multisectoral dialogue,
providing platforms and data as decision-making tools
to enable informed decisions across sectors.
By emphasizing the cost-benefit of circular economy principles and health protection, GAHP advocates for win-win solutions that enhance environmental outcomes
while reducing production costs.
This work is ongoing and continues to drive positive change across various sectors.
A Long Journey of Multisectoral Dialogue
Bibliography references:
OECD – Global Material Flows Database. Provides data on secondary material recovery, including lead. https://www.oecd.org/environment/waste/material-flows.htm
Statista 2025. Global refined lead production share 2022, by region and phase. Published by M. Garside. Dec 13, 2024
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546839/global-refined-lead-production-by-region/
Fairfield Market Research. (2022). Recycled Lead Market Size, Trends Analysis Report, 2022–2029. https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/recycled-lead-market
International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG). Statistical and analytical data on lead production and recycling. https://www.ilzsg.org. (Access data via “Statistical Bulletins” or “Monthly Lead and Zinc Statistics.”)
Lilian Corra�liliancorra@gahp.net�Global Alliance on Health and Pollution - GAHP