Disposing of lithium-ion batteries can be tricky. These batteries are found in millions of devices, from cell phones and laptops to power tools and drones. While lithium ion batteries offer numerous benefits, including compact size, high energy density and long operating time between charges, they also pose risks when not stored or disposed of properly. If mishandled, lithium-ion batteries can catch fire, explode or leak volatile chemicals. As a result, many manufacturers won’t take used lithium-ion batteries as part of their recycling programs. To safely dispose of your old lithium-ion batteries without posing a risk to you or the environment, follow these tips from Battery Council International — a non-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of battery technology.
Dispose of batteries properly
Before you begin to dispose of your lithium-ion batteries, check their labeling to make sure they’re the type of batteries that need to be disposed of. Some lithium-ion batteries contain elements that can be recycled, but others need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. To properly dispose of used lithium-ion batteries, follow these steps: – Handle with care – To prevent injuries from heat or chemicals, wear protective gloves, glasses and a face shield when handling used lithium-ion batteries. – Check the battery type – Before you attempt to charge, discharge, or dispose of the battery, make sure it’s the type that can be safely recharged. – Check the battery voltage – To discharge the battery, you will need a special device that will safely lower the voltage to below 2 volts. If the voltage is above 2 volts, you should not discharge the battery. – Discharge the battery – Discharge the battery as recommended by the manufacturer. For example, a lithium-ion battery that has a voltage of 4 volts should be discharged to 2 volts. – Check the packaging – Before you throw away the packaging, check to see if the manufacturer has recommendations for how to dispose of the battery.
Store batteries safely
If you’re not ready to dispose of your used lithium-ion batteries, you can store them in a safe manner. To safely store used lithium-ion batteries, follow these steps: – Choose the right storage method – There are different storage methods for different sizes of batteries. First, decide if you need to store lithium-ion batteries in a cabinet, on a shelf, in a drawer or on a pallet. Then, select the proper storage method for your situation based on the battery’s voltage and Ah (amp hour) rating. For example, a cabinet can store up to 3,000 Ah; a shelf can store up to 300 Ah; a drawer can store up to 30 Ah and a pallet can store up to 300 Ah. If your battery exceeds these limits, you should store the battery in a cabinet or on a pallet. – Keep them at room temperature – Store lithium-ion batteries in a dry, moderate temperature environment. Avoid very hot or very cold temperatures. As a general rule, avoid temperatures above 80°F and below 32°F. – Keep them away from fire – Keep lithium-ion batteries away from open flames, sparks and smoking materials. – Keep them away from children and pets – Keep batteries out of the reach of children and animals to prevent injuries from mishandling them.
How to dispose of Li-ion batteries
If you’re certain your batteries must be disposed of, you can drop them off at a recycling facility. Just make sure the facility accepts the type of battery you want to dispose of. You can also ask your local recycling facility if they accept lithium-ion batteries or call your city or state’s waste management department to find out where to drop off used batteries. When disposing of lithium-ion batteries, follow these steps: – Check your state’s regulations – Each state has different regulations on how to dispose of used lithium-ion batteries. For example, some states require you to dispose of them as hazardous waste, while others allow you to dispose of them at local recycling facilities. – Find a lithium ion battery recycling program – Many manufacturers have their own recycling programs. To find one near you, visit the Battery Council International website at www.batteries.org. – Check the packaging – Before you throw away the packaging, check to see if the manufacturer has recommendations for how to dispose of the battery.
By joining battery recycling programs
If your local recycling facility doesn’t accept lithium-ion batteries, you can join a manufacturer’s recycling program. Many manufacturers have their own recycling programs that accept used batteries from the public. To join a recycling program, visit the Battery Council International website at www.batteries.org. – Participation is free – In exchange for accepting your used batteries, many companies will offer free products such as clothing, bags or charging cables. Other companies may offer discounts or coupons on products. – You don’t have to be an expert – Most battery recycling programs don’t require you to be an expert, just follow a few simple steps.
By disposing of them with electronic waste
If you can’t find a recycling program near you, you can dispose of your used lithium-ion batteries with electronic waste — otherwise known as e-waste. E-waste is the term used to describe discarded computer equipment, televisions, radios, microwave ovens and other household appliances. To properly dispose of your old batteries with e-waste, follow these steps: – Check your county regulations – Each county has a different regulations on how to dispose of e-waste. For example, some counties require you to dispose of them as hazardous waste, while others allow you to dispose of them at local recycling facilities. – Find a recycling facility – Many e-waste recycling facilities accept lithium-ion batteries. To find one near you, visit the Environmental Agency’s website at Environment Agency – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
By storing them in approved Li-ion storage containers
If you’re not ready to dispose of your used lithium-ion batteries, you can store them in approved storage containers. Most storage containers with an IP rating (Ingress Protection) of 6 or higher are suitable for storing used batteries. To store used lithium-ion batteries in an approved storage container, follow these steps: – Choose the right storage container – There are many different types of storage containers designed for storing lithium-ion batteries. First, decide if you need a bag or a box. Then, select the proper storage container for your situation based on the battery’s voltage and Ah (amp hour) rating. For example, a bag can store up to 3,000 Ah; a box can store up to 300 Ah; a drawer can store up to 30 Ah and a pallet can store up to 300 Ah. If your battery exceeds these limits, you should store the battery in a box or on a pallet. – Keep them at room temperature – Store lithium-ion batteries in a dry, moderate temperature environment. Avoid very hot or very cold temperatures. As a general rule, avoid temperatures above 80°F and below 32°F. – Keep them away from fire – Keep lithium-ion batteries away from open flames, sparks and smoking materials. – Keep them away from children and pets – Keep batteries out of the reach of children and animals to prevent injuries from mishandling them.
Conclusion
Lithium ion batteries are great for powering small devices. They are compact, powerful and long-lasting, but they can be dangerous if not stored or disposed of properly. To safely store or dispose of your old lithium ion batteries, follow the tips from the Environmental Agency. Environment Agency – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
