Proper recycling and disposal of Citycoco lithium-ion batteries are essential for environmental protection and resource recovery, as they contain valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. The recycling process follows a standardized, multi-stage workflow managed by certified professional recycling facilities. The first step is safe collection and transportation. Used batteries must be insulated (e.g., by taping the terminals) to prevent short circuits and transported to authorized recycling centers in specialized, fire-resistant packaging. Many regions offer established collection programs, including dedicated drop-off points, retailer take-back, and scheduled pick-up services.

Once received, the recycling process begins with manual and automated disassembly, where the battery is broken down into its core components: the casing, electronic BMS, wiring, and the cell module. The cells then undergo mechanical crushing and physical separation, where they are shredded, and materials like copper, aluminum, and plastic are separated via screening and magnetic separation. The critical step is hydrometallurgical processing, the most common method, where the active materials are dissolved using chemical solutions to leach out valuable metals (lithium, nickel, cobalt), which are then purified and extracted through solvent extraction and chemical precipitation. This method achieves a metal recovery rate of over 95%. An alternative is pyrometallurgy, involving high-temperature smelting, though it is less common due to higher energy consumption and lower lithium recovery efficiency. The final recycled materials are purified and can be reused to manufacture new battery cells or other products. It is strictly prohibited to dispose of Citycoco batteries in regular household waste, as this poses risks of fire, explosion, and heavy metal pollution. Reconditioning is another viable option, where worn-out cells are replaced, and the battery pack is refurbished for continued use.