Lithium-ion batteries used in consumer electronics such as cell phones, digital cameras, smoke detectors, vape pens, and electric vehicles present a fire hazard when placed in the regular trash or municipal recycling bin.
To prevent fires and reduce the number of virgin materials needed to produce Li-ion batteries, these batteries should always be taken to a designated recycling facility or electronic waste collection point at the end of their useful life.
Fire Hazard
Lithium-ion batteries contain a flammable electrolyte that can start fires if the battery still has some charge left and is physically damaged. The most common scenario that leads to fires is when Li-ion batteries are subjected to pressure in recycling bins or in the back of a recycling truck that’s filled with ignitable materials like paper and cardboard.
An increase of fires at recycling and waste facilities prompted industry groups to launch a campaign with the slogan: “Avoid the Spark. Be Battery Safety Smart.” This campaign educates consumers about the importance of battery recycling—Li-ion batteries can and should be recycled.
Waste of Precious Materials
The other main concern with improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries is the permanent loss of precious raw materials, including cobalt, graphite, and lithium. Lithium, in particular, is extracted in large amounts from the salt flats in South America, and concerns over political instability and potential environmental effects in these places mean that supply may not be 100% reliable.
With proper battery recycling, lithium can be recovered and used again in new lithium-ion batteries—reducing the need for virgin materials and ensuring that consumers will have a steady supply of lithium-ion batteries even if the supply of new materials fails. By 2030, returned lithium batteries from the first generation of electric cars are expected to reduce the demand for virgin lithium.
Regulations Governing Li-Ion Battery Disposal
In the United States, battery disposal is governed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, batteries are recognized as a type of common hazardous waste known as universal waste. While households are encouraged to recycle batteries, businesses can be sanctioned for failing to properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous wastes.
In the cannabis industry, for example, vape pen manufacturers and retailers often have battery take-back and recycling programs as part of their hazardous cannabis waste management plan. After collection, the batteries are transported safely for recycling along with other types of hazardous waste.
Types of Lithium Batteries
It’s important for consumers and businesses to understand the two types of lithium batteries that are used in consumer products. Both of these battery types must be recycled correctly at the end of their useful life.
Single Use, Non-Rechargeable Batteries
Non-rechargeable lithium batteries include those batteries made from lithium metal found in small devices such as watches, cameras, remote controls, game consoles, and smoke detectors. They may be button or coin-shaped or have a similar appearance to regular alkaline batteries. Look for the word “lithium” to identify single-use lithium batteries.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries include those found in cell phones, digital cameras, laptops, children’s toys, vape pens, power tools, appliances, and tablets. Before taking these batteries for recycling, check whether the battery can be removed from the device safely or whether you’ll need to take the entire device.
How to Dispose of Lithium-Ion Batteries Safely
- If possible, discharge the battery completely.
- Remove the battery from the device (if it is removable).
- Cover the terminals with non-conductive electrical tape.
- Place lithium-ion batteries in separate plastic bags.
- Take the batteries and devices containing non-removable lithium batteries to an appropriate location, such as a(n):
- Household hazardous waste collection point
- E-waste collection point
- Licensed recycling facility or hazardous waste facility
- Retail store that accepts batteries
- Product manufacturer (many of which offer battery take-back programs)
Businesses that qualify as hazardous waste generators will need to follow additional regulations, including proper hazardous waste storage, hazardous waste labeling, and hazardous waste transportation for Li-ion batteries to avoid incurring a fine.
Recycling Now Ensures Li-Ion Battery Supply Tomorrow
Understanding lithium-ion battery disposal hazards should motivate you to ensure every last battery is recycled properly through a collection center or hazardous waste management provider.
If you oversee a business that handles Li-ion batteries, proper battery recycling will not only help to prevent fires and fines but will help to ensure a consistent supply of these popular, energy-dense batteries into the future.
