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Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, widely used in PCs, smartphones, digital cameras, electric vehicles, portable electronics and other mobile devices. Do you know how to properly dispose of a battery that is no longer working? With the widespread use of electronics in our daily lives, it's vital to know the correct way to handle dead batteries.
As the use of lithium batteries continues to grow, proper care should be taken regarding the battery disposal. Read this blog post to get an idea about to do for the safe disposal of Lithium batteries.
Difference Between Lithium-Ion and Lithium Primary Batteries
Lithium batteries are primary cells and lithium-ion batteries are secondary cells.
| Lithium Primary Batteries | Lithium-Ion Batteries |
|---|---|
| Have one cell, meaning they are single-use | Have two or more cells, and can be re-charged |
Whether you are staying in US or Canada, we should be aware of the importance of safe environmental practices, especially when dealing with hazardous materials like those found in batteries – such as toxic materials such as Acid, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury etc.
Burning batteries can cause explosions, so don’t do it. Also, make sure to keep damaged and undamaged batteries separate. Store batteries in containers that aren't made of metal, and avoid storing them for extended periods. If not disposed of properly, then it will create many problems due to hazardous nature of its contents. No batteries should be disposed of in general waste.
Thus, it is crucial to implement sustainable solutions and eco-friendly disposal methods to prevent pollution and protect natural resources for future generations. Either you should take batteries to any store equipped to handle the disposal or else locate an electrical appliance store.
What are the right ways for lithium battery disposal? Let’s check out.
- Avoid throwing batteries in your regular recycling bin.
- Search for a store that accepts lithium batteries for recycling.
- Search for a local library or community center about battery collection programs.
- Drop off batteries at a household hazardous waste center.
- Consider using a mail-in program.
To dispose of these batteries the right way, you need to remove it from its compartment. Then, tape battery terminals and/or place lithium batteries in separate plastic bags. With these important steps, you can contribute to cleaner surroundings and reduce the contamination and contribute to a safer and more sustainable world.
Why Recycling Batteries is a Better Option
Lithium battery recycling brings many benefits for the community, both environmentally and economically.
- It helps reduce pollution
- Prevents toxic degradation of environment
- Helps preserve resources
- Provides raw materials
- It also saves energy
Recycling Lithium Batteries – The Steps Involved
Thus, it is clear that recycling is key to mitigate risks. The recycling process involves varied steps.
- Collection – In this step, batteries are gathered from various sources, such as households, businesses, and recycling centers.
- Crushing – After the collection process, the batteries are crushed into smaller pieces to facilitate further processing.
- Sorting - The crushed materials are sorted to separate different types of batteries and their components.
- Shredding – Once it is sorted, the materials are shredded into even smaller pieces to enable the extraction of valuable materials.
- Separation - The shredded materials are separated to isolate metals, plastics, and other components for recycling and reuse.
This process allows you to conserve resources and also contribute to environmental sustainability.
If you need help with battery disposal, then you can find many waste disposal specialists near your area. They can collect and recycle lithium batteries from your site. Most of the service providers are fully accredited by all relevant governing bodies and follow all of the health and safety laws surrounding waste disposal.
We hope you found this article clarifies what you need to consider when it comes to the disposal of lithium batteries.
Do you have more waste to get rid of? Check out our articles for guidance.