They contain valuable raw materials such as iron, nickel, manganese and zinc. Some come with heavy metal like cadmium and lead. They can be alkaline and lithium secondary batteries. Alkaline secondary batteries include Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel Zinc, widely used for electric vehicles like small vans or passenger cars etc. Nickel Iron, silver oxide batteries have high energy and power density, ideal for lightweight medical and electronic equipment, submarines, torpedoes, and space applications.

Lithium secondary batteries include lithium / titanium disulfide batteries, Lithium or iron sulfide batteries can be used in electric vehicles. Lithium / manganese titanium batteries are compact rechargeable batteries ideal for rechargeable watches, and backup power supplies for pagers and timers. These batteries offer higher life, extremely economical and higher peak load possible.