Lithium batteries are widely used in high-tech devices like cordless power tools, smartphones, and tablets. With the proliferation of smart homes, lithium batteries are becoming more and more common in households.
It is important to dispose of your lithium batteries appropriately, as they could be hazardous to you or the environment. In this blog post, we will cover how to dispose of lithium batteries properly.
What Is A Lithium Battery?
It is a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge. It has a high voltage, low self-discharge, and long shelf life, making it useful for many applications such as laptop computers, power tools, and portable electronic devices. Dragonfly Energy develops technologies to improve conventional and solid state lithium battery manufacturing and storage without sacrificing quality.
Ways to Dispose Lithium Batteries.
Lithium batteries may be one of the most commonly found household products, but they are still a dangerous product that needs to be disposed of properly. Here are four ways to dispose of these batteries.
1. Contact a Local Recycling Company.
If you have batteries in your home that are dead or left unused for years, it is time to do something with them. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly all batteries are recycled, but they must be processed by a certified recycler registered with the state government.
2. Return Them to the Vendor or Company.
Although there are many different battery recycling programs, in most cases, the best place to return your batteries is to the company that sold them to you. They should be able to take them back. If you’re able to return the batteries to the people who sold them to you, the vendor might be able to recycle or dispose of them for you.
3. Call a Local Hazardous Waste Disposal Service.
Many different hazardous waste disposal companies can help you dispose of your used lithium batteries. You should contact each of these companies to find out how they can help you and if there is any financial obligation.
4. Take Them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.
These events are usually sponsored by local hazardous waste collection facilities or non-profit organizations. Look for them at community centers, libraries, religious centers, and schools.
What Are the Effects of not disposing of Lithium batteries well.
Here are some of the risks faced by not disposing of lithium batteries well.
A Potential Fire and Explosion Risk.
A battery has the potential for fire or explosion. This is especially true with damaged or leaking batteries. Once triggered, the battery can overheat and start a chain reaction that leads to an explosion. When this happens in your home, the impact can be devastating. A fire could spread to other flammable items in your home, such as papers or furniture.
A Battery Can Be a Health Hazard.
If a battery is damaged, it can release hazardous materials. These chemicals include poisonous gases, electrolyte fluids, and volatile organic compounds. The effects of these chemicals are not well known. However, chemicals are absorbed through the skin if the battery is damaged.
The most common lithium batteries contain lithium metal that poses a personal injury risk. When the metal becomes exposed, it can cause burns or eye damage. If swallowed, metal may be lodged in the digestive tract, which can cause severe health issues.
Bad for the Environment.
Different types of batteries contain various chemical components, which could be harmful to the environment when disposed of incorrectly. These chemicals can disrupt the reproductive systems of nearby marine life. They could also be toxic if eaten by birds or other animals.
Safe Handling of Lithium Batteries.
- Avoid exposing your batteries to extreme temperatures.
- Apply only the battery types, voltages, and amp-hour ratings recommended by the manufacturer.
- It is always advisable to wear protective equipment to reduce the risk of accidental contact with your batteries.
- Do not throw batteries into fire or water. Store them in a dry and well-ventilated area away from sunlight and heat sources.
- Do not dispose of batteries in your regular trash. Instead, take them to a local hazardous waste collection site.
- Never stack heavy objects on top of batteries.
- Use batteries only for their intended purpose, whether in a flashlight or remote control device.
- Do not store your batteries in a pocket or bag. If accidentally touched, they could short out, causing the battery to explode and cause injury. For more information, visit Safety Skills.
In conclusion, being environmentally conscious and disposing of your lithium batteries are important. Keep these four ways in mind and dispose of your batteries the right way to avoid any harm.
