How To Dispose Of Lithium-Ion Batteries
By Admin | July 23, 2019
What’s The Deal With Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are pretty sweet. They’re found in a lot of electronics these days because they’re lighter and more efficient than other batteries.
Wait, hold up! I’m not done yet. They’re a really cool piece of technology, but they’re not without their problems. As the owner of Certified Recycling would say, “Lithium-ion batteries have a tendency to go boom-boom.”
Why You Shouldn’t Throw Lithium-Ion Batteries In Your Trash Can or Household Recycling Bin
Lithium-ion batteries are considered hazardous universal waste. These batteries are different from traditional AA-batteries (which shouldn’t be thrown in the trash either, btw) because they can cause destruction. No, that ain’t hyperbole. Literal destruction.
If you throw a product with a lithium-ion battery into the garbage, you’re risking starting a fire in your home. If the battery ends up in a garbage truck, the compacter could break the battery and start a fire as the truck is driving down the highway.
Last year there was a massive fire at a recycling facility up in Blaine because a cellphone was thrown into a household recycling bin and made its way into the transfer facility undetected. The battery was punctured and caused a devastating fire to the recycling plant.
Lithium-ion batteries burn at a very fast rate at high heat, and the fire is tough to stop once it starts. To avoid causing all-out mayhem, please please PLEASE don’t throw your batteries in your trash or recycling bin.
Here’s How To Properly Get Rid Of Lithium-Ion Batteries
The best way to properly dispose of your lithium-ion batteries is to take them to your local recycling center or retailer. The people who work in these places are trained to handle and package the batteries to get them to the right place for proper recycling.
There are different types of lithium-ion batteries (high-yield, low-yield, the little round silver button ones, etc…) that are often missed and thrown in the trash. Do not throw lithium-ion batteries or electronics into your trash can or recycling bin.
How Do I Know If My Electronics Have Lithium-Ion Batteries?
If you have a modern electronic product, there’s a solid chance it uses a lithium-ion battery. It’s best to play it safe and check anything electronic before you throw it away. Here are a few examples of how a lithium-ion battery can look:
Got A Question About Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries?
You can always contact us at Certified Recycling! Take a picture of your electronic equipment or battery and send it to info@certifiedrecycling.net. We can help you determine what type of battery it is, how to properly dispose of it and how to get it from you to us!
About Our Recycling Services
We really dig recycling. We like it so much, in fact, that if you don’t have time to drop off at our warehouse in Burnsville, we’ll gladly come to you. Our fleet of trucks run routes across the Twin Cities every week, making both in-home and curbside pickups.
Just request a pickup by filling out the form below and we’ll handle the rest, or call us directly at 952-894-1448.
