The aim of diploma thesis is to study the effect of waste batteries have on the environment and the possibilities for their recycling. Waste batteries represent a significant environmental challenge due to their composition, which includes heavy metals, electrolytes, and other hazardous substances. As the number of electronic devices and electric vehicles worldwide continues to grow, the demand for batteries is also increasing rapidly, making waste batteries an increasingly serious issue for modern society. Improper handling of these batteries can contaminate soil, water, and air, endangering human health and ecosystems, which further emphasizes the need for effective management strategies. Among the main challenges are the lack of proper infrastructure for collection and separation, low user awareness, and technical limitations in recycling processes. Despite these limitations, advanced technologies can achieve a substantial recycling rate. Mechanical separation, hydrometallurgical, and pyrometallurgical processes enable the recovery of valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. For a long-term solution, it is crucial to promote the development of sustainable batteries, strengthen legislation, increase share of recycled materials and improve collection systems. This requires the collaboration of all stakeholders involved in the battery lifecycle: from manufacturers and retailers to end users, as well as expert services responsible for drafting new legislation.
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