How to Dispose of Lithium Batteries?

Importance of the Right Disposal

If you were to dispose of a lithium battery in your general waste or recycling bin, then it could easily come into contact with water. When these batteries are improperly discarded in regular waste or recycling bins, they run the risk of encountering moisture. Whether due to rain, leaking liquid containers, or condensation within the bin, these batteries can get damaged. Once compromised, they might become a fire hazard during processing.

This fire risk is particularly dangerous during waste transportation or the recycling process. If a fire occurs in a vehicle or at the facility, then the fire could cause extensive damage, and even be life-threatening.

So the proper disposal of lithium batteries is imperative to mitigate the risk of damage and fire hazards. Thus, it's vital to handle this with caution.

Daily Used lithium batteries

In the case of small lithium batteries used in PCs, smartphones, digital cameras, and other mobile devices, remove the battery from its compartment, cover its contacts with plastic or insulating tape, and take it to any store that cooperates with the disposal of industrial waste such as an electrical appliance store or a home center.

If you discard lithium batteries together with regular flammable or plastic trash, they might ignite in a garbage truck causing a fire.

As well-behaved citizens, we should check for this kind of battery collection site. Or use battery recycling programs. Look for specialized places in your area that accept lithium batteries. Many local recycling facilities or electronics stores have dedicated drop-off points for battery recycling.

Industrial or large lithium batteries

You should properly dispose of industrial lithium batteries used in automated guided vehicles (AGVs), storage battery systems, etc. As industrial waste. The disposal method differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Contact the manufacturer when you need to dispose of lithium batteries. Some manufacturers will introduce a reliable industrial waste collector to you.

Always make sure you protect the lithium battery from extreme temperatures or exposure to sunlight. These batteries should neither be exposed to water or moisture. Take extra care when handling these batteries and pack them in a way that the safety casing is not damaged. Such incidents are not uncommon when batteries are packed without protective layering, or placed underneath a hefty object. Before discarding, make sure the batteries have been fully discharged. Also, the cores should never come into contact with one another.

After reading this, you come to understand that disposing of lithium batteries responsibly can significantly diminish their negative impact on the environment. It's clear that the process is simple, requiring just a few phone calls to locate appropriate disposal facilities and then simply dropping off the batteries. Taking these steps ensures that these batteries contain potentially harmful materials. The batteries are handled properly and recycled, preventing environmental harm and potential risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Therefore, by taking this small but necessary action, you contribute to preserving the environment and safeguarding our planet for future generations.

What’s more, ACE’s development directions are dedicated to creating a sustainable battery value chain with a “ Production – Use - Cascade Utilization – Recycling - Resource Regeneration” Plan.