3 safe ways to dispose of lithium batteries
10/31/2024
From smartphones to cameras, we all rely on lithium batteries to power our lives, but what happens when those batteries reach the end of theirs?
Unfortunately, many of us unknowingly contribute to a major safety risk by throwing away these batteries in our normal waste bins, however this seemingly harmless act has potentially dangerous consequences.
In the UK, incorrect disposal of lithium batteries is responsible for over 200 fires a year, with that figure increasing weekly. Overall, 48% of waste fires are caused by batteries, and with a European study suggesting that in 2025, 78 million lithium batteries will be discarded daily, its an issue that is going to need sorting.
So, how does this happen?
Lithium batteries are incredible sensitive to damage from moisture, heat, pressure or impact. When this happens, a chain reaction causes rapid temperature rise which results in smoke, fire and even explosions.
These fires can happen anywhere, from kitchen bins up to waste collection vehicles and recycling centres. They’re extremely difficult fires to distinguish, so whilst we want to reduce damage from the fires, its also our job to keep firefighters and waste collectors safe.
The good news however, is that the solution is simple – responsible recycling.
If batteries are recycled, the lithium can be reused and avoid landfill. So, if you’ve got a dead battery on your hands, whether it’s from a phone or vape (or any other host), here’s three ways to dispose of it safely and correctly.
1. Check with your local council
You can get special pickups for electrical waste from the comfort of your home. Just give them a call or check their website.
If that’s not available, head to your local council recycling centre, they usually have special bins for batteries and other electricals, if not then 'Recycle Your Electricals' have this handy website to find your nearest.
2. Take your batteries in-store
If you bought the battery or device from a shop, you can usually take it back there. As Material Focus explain, retailers have a legal responsibility to take back any item of waste electrical and electronic equipment, and some even offer discount vouchers for certain items.
If you've got an old phone or a laptop sitting at the back of a cupboard, it can be hard to spot any battery damage or swelling. So, it’s best to dispose of these if they’re not being used. Some private online companies may even pay you for old devices - Win win!
3. Watch out for integrated batteries
If you have a device with a battery that can’t be removed, such as an electric toothbrush or old toy, you shouldn’t attempt to remove these yourself. It’s best to dispose of these in one piece at a recycling centre, or with the retailer it was purchased from.
So the power is, quite literally, in our hands. A few easy ways to dispose of old batteries and do our part for the planet.
