Abstract: One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide methods for discharging spent batteries. The methods may include coating anode electrodes and cathode electrodes of the spent batteries with at least one catalyst layer. The catalyst layer may facilitate consistent and rapid discharge of the spent batteries. The spent batteries may be processed using an electrolyte solution to discharge the spent batteries. The electrolyte solution may include one or more suitable electrolytes that do not cause electrode corrosion during the discharge of the spent batteries. For example, the electrolytes may include a mixture of Na3PO4, water, co-solvent (e.g., ethylene glycol), and at least one surfactant, such as polyoxymethylene glycol octylphenol ethers, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, perfluorooctanesulfonate, etc.