About us

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About us:

Peperzeel (formerly Van Peperzeel) is a renowned and specialized company in the collection, sorting, and management of batteries and accumulators.

Here is a concise overview of our history and activities:

Brief History

  • Foundation: The company was founded in 1978 by Wim van Peperzeel.

  • Early Focus: In the first 10 to 15 years, the company focused primarily on the trade of non-ferrous metals (metals other than iron).

  • Specialization: Specialization in the field of batteries and accumulators began in the early 1990s.

  • Relocation: Originally started in Ermelo, the company moved to its current location in Lelystad in 2007 to accommodate growth.

  • Recent Developments: In September 2022, Peperzeel was acquired by Huiskes Metal & Electronics Recycling. The company continues to operate under its own name, with an even greater focus on the growing market for lithium-ion batteries.

Core Activities

Peperzeel serves as a crucial link in the circular economy for batteries and accumulators, both in the Netherlands and across Europe.

  1. Collection & Sorting (Household Batteries):

    • We are the national sorting center for all discarded household batteries in the Netherlands (including for Stichting OPEN).
    • Using specialized machinery, collected batteries are accurately separated by chemical type (alkaline, NiMH, button cells, etc.).

  2. Lead-Acid Batteries and Metals:

    • We are a major collector of scrap lead-acid batteries (e.g., from the automotive industry) in the Netherlands and Belgium.
    • We also trade in non-ferrous metals.

  3. EV Battery Management:

    • We play a significant role in processing larger lithium-ion batteries (from electric cars and bicycles).
    • We possess a specialized discharge machine to safely remove residual charge from these batteries (converting it into heat), which is essential for safe transport and storage in compliance with regulations such as ADR.

  4. Logistics and Consultancy:

    • We handle the full logistical and administrative processing of the collected materials.
    • Sorted streams are transported to accredited recycling plants throughout Europe to recover the maximum amount of raw materials.