What drives the price of a load
Two loads of the same weight can settle very differently. Chemistry decides the payable metals, while moisture, plastics, casings and mixed feed reduce the payable weight or add treatment cost. Sorting by chemistry before delivery is usually the single biggest improvement a handler can make, followed by removing casings and keeping material dry.
Assay is the reference for settlement, so sampling matters. Each load is homogenised and sampled in triplicate, with a sealed sample retained so either party can request an independent umpire test if results are disputed.
| Factor | Effect on value |
|---|---|
| Chemistry sorted by lot | Higher payables, simpler refining |
| High moisture | Deducted from payable weight |
| Casings and plastics left in | Lower metal content per tonne |
| Undeclared damaged cells | Handling charges and safety delays |
Safer yards and formal handling
Informal breaking of battery packs destroys value and creates fire and exposure risk for workers. Under India's Battery Waste Management Rules 2022, collection and handling must be done by registered entities, and customers increasingly ask for evidence of where their material went. Formal handling is becoming a condition of doing business.
We support handlers with registration guidance, yard layout advice and safe-handling training. Basic measures such as covered storage, separation by chemistry, terminal taping and a clear quarantine area reduce incidents and improve the price of every load.
- Store below 30% state of charge where the state is known
- Separate chemistries and damaged units
- Keep material covered and dry
- Record source and weight for every intake
Field note