Lithium batteries are widely used in electronic devices, including everything from mobile phones, to electric vehicles and heavy duty manufacturing equipment. In fact, the use of lithium batteries across the world is only set to grow, particularly with the rapidly rising demand for electric vehicles.
However, despite their fantastic versatility, lithium batteries pose a major hazard.
In fact, in the UK, The British Safety Council found that the number of fires linked to lithium batteries rose by 46% in a single year. Without proper storage and disposal, lithium batteries can dramatically reduce health and safety standards on a commercial site, and even threaten safety in domestic homes.
So, to help you mitigate this common risk, in this article we have outlined the safe, correct way to store and dispose of lithium batteries.
How to correctly store lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are readily recyclable. In fact, doing so is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. However, it is essential that lithium batteries are recycled in a safe way, by waste management specialists. If you’d like to find out more about the correct recycling process for lithium batteries, check out our dedicated lithium battery disposal article.
For lithium batteries that need to be recycled, you should store them in a sealed, specialist lithium battery storage container. These containers can be supplied by a waste management specialist, like EnviroCraft.
These containers also come with wrapping for the lithium batteries. These wrappings are designed to cover the batteries, preventing them from coming into contact with any reactive materials.
This container should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources, moisture and direct sunlight. Ensure that the weight limits specified for your container are adhered to. Then, when your container is ready to be collected, contact the collection team of your waste management agency.
The best way to store and dispose of damaged lithium batteries is as follows:
- Place the battery in a specialist, fireproof lithium battery disposal container
- Submerge the batteries in a non-flammable material (e.g. sand), or carefully and completely cover it in the wrappings provided
- Secure your container, and label it with a warning (e.g. “Contains damaged batteries – Handle with care”)
- Store the batteries in a safe location, away from any fire hazards.
- Contact your waste disposal service provider, and arrange a collection.
How to dispose of damaged lithium batteries
It is essential that you do not dispose of lithium batteries in standard waste bins, especially if the battery is damaged.
This is because these batteries are extremely flammable, and can cause fires (or even explosions) to develop in seconds. In 2023 alone, lithium batteries caused over 1,200 fires in bin lorries and waste sites throughout the UK.
What’s more, damaged lithium batteries can also leak toxic materials. Not only can they be harmful to humans, but they are also extremely hazardous to the environment.
Signs of damage to a battery can include leakage, overheating, swelling, taking longer than usual to charge, smoking, unusual smells or sounds, or feeling extremely hot.
Working with a waste management specialist, like EnviroCraft, is the best way to ensure the safe collection and disposal of lithium batteries.
These experts will ensure complete compliance with all hazardous waste regulations, offering a dependable and convenient service. By enlisting these specialises, you can recycle as much as possible, while fully mitigating all associated safety risks.
At EnviroCraft, we offer a huge variety of waste management services, for both commercial businesses and domestic properties. These include WEEE recycling, hazardous waste management, and comprehensive recycling solutions.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can support your operations, speak to the EnviroCraft team today.
The post How to Store & Dispose of Damaged Lithium Batteries appeared first on EnviroCraft Waste Solutions.
