At the end of the day, recycling batteries is not just a good idea鈥攊t is a smart move. Similar to learning how to prevent forest fires and how to recycle our plastic bags, adopting responsible behavioral changes when it comes to batteries is the right and safe thing to do.
We live in an increasingly battery-powered world. From devices in our homes to our vehicles to workplaces and more, batteries provide many benefits that enrich our daily lives. As batteries play an integral role in our modern lifestyle, it is important to know how to best manage them once they have reached their end-of-life to keep people and property safe from fire risks. With McKinsey & Company reporting that global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to grow more than fivefold by 2030, there is an increased need for all consumers to understand safe battery handling and recycling practices. The headline: Batteries aren鈥檛 going anywhere, making it more important than ever to discuss how we all play a role in making our communities safer in our electrified era.
Fire Risk Factors Explained
Batteries power many of our special moments and memories, so how can we thank these technological advancements? By responsibly recycling them at their end-of-life. This easy and convenient step shrinks fire risks in our homes, keeps society safe and gives batteries a second life as other products. While we are programmed to declutter and toss items once they no longer work, batteries need special consideration with handling and end-of-life management. Putting them in the trash鈥攕pecifically Lithium-ion batteries鈥攕ets off a potentially dangerous journey for everyone who may come in contact with the battery. This includes community members such as garbage collectors and Household Hazardous Waste workers, as well as their vehicles, property, and equipment. Overheating or co-mingling with other waste increases the chances for a spark, which no one wants. The good news? Battery recycling drop-off sites accessible across the country make battery recycling a simple and stress-free act that anyone and everyone can do. Knowing the risks is the first step to smart and safe battery recycling.
Images courtesy of Call2Recycle.
Protect and Collect
Now that we know the risks of tossing batteries, we can learn about how to securely protect and collect them. A national network of more than 15,000 collection sites provides a simple and safe way to recycle batteries. Education guides the collection effort, from both a consumer and collection site perspective. For consumers, understanding how to protect spent batteries [by taping terminals or bagging] is the first step to safe recycling. For collection sites that undergo a required annual safety training module, having the correct collection containers and following collection protocols is critical. Taking the right safety steps helps reduce fire risks during the collection process鈥攅specially when materials are mixed later in the recycling stream鈥攑rotecting everyone involved.
Secure Storage, Smart Transport
Once batteries are collected, storage and transport are the next big steps. When it comes to storage containers, cardboard containers are ideal, especially ones with flame retardant liners. Make sure that you protect your batteries by taping their terminals or bagging them individually. This protects against potential sparks. Be sure batteries are stored in a cool, dry space and recycled every six months. Having batteries contained and protected enables smooth transportation and works to combat the likelihood of a thermal event. For those looking to safely store and ship batteries, there are two solutions: cardboard collection boxes (free to collection sites) and a OneDrum container (for purchase) that allows for the commingling of single-use and rechargeable batteries infused with an innovative fire extinguishing agent. Both options ship under a U.S. DOT issued special permit and satisfy U.S. DOT requirements.
Handle with Care: Damaged Battery Management
While consumer batteries can be recycled, they cannot all be recycled the same way. This is particularly true for batteries that are damaged. As consumer devices rely on smaller and more powerful batteries (like Lithium ion), handling those damaged batteries requires special care. Damaged batteries show signs of swelling, leaking or corrosion. These batteries should never be thrown in the trash. Instead, these types of batteries must be shipped in special packaging to contain any opportunity for sparks to catch at a shipping facility and create damage. Media headlines over the years reveal the dangerous and expensive outcomes when damaged batteries make their way into the waste stream.
Trusted Voices. Safer Communities.
Strength in numbers extends to the topic of fire management as the more amplified the message, the more people are driven to action. When it comes to battery recycling, partnerships with trusted advocates, influencers and organizations are a big win for educating the public. From Ryan Fogelman with Fire Rover to The National Fire Protection Agency and the Fire Safety Research Institute, there are many forces all aligned on the goal of safety. Alongside this industry outreach is working to engage schools and students with lessons on battery recycling. Teaching smart habits and practices at a young age (or any age!) is how we collectively make the world a better and safer place.
Tech That Protects
As batteries and battery-powered devices evolve, so do the tools and technology involved in their recycling process. From advances in collection receptacles to specifically formatted Lithium-Ion incident kits, it is critical to have protocols in place with partners (collection sites, sorters and processors) rooted in safety and fire prevention. Advanced sorting systems and smart tools that can detect batteries paired with human oversight create a powerful combination. Early detection, safe handling and real-time monitoring exemplify how training and technology work together to predict and proactively decrease fire risks.
Stay Battery Safety Smart
At the end of the day, recycling batteries is not just a good idea鈥攊t is also a smart move. Similar to learning how to prevent forest fires and how to recycle our plastic bags, adopting responsible behavioral changes when it comes to batteries is the right and safe thing to do. Knowing how to properly use, charge, store and ultimately dispose of batteries can protect against fire threats. Learning something new does not have to be hard. It just needs to be consistent. When it comes to fire management with batteries, it is all about creating positive habits. Being battery safety smart is a mindset everyone who enjoys the benefits of batteries and battery-powered devices can adopt. | WA.
As the premier U.S. battery recycling program, Call2Recycle is continually improving its safety policies and best practices to ensure they protect both people and the environment. The non-profit organization values safety as a core tenet of the program and it is reflected in every aspect of daily operations. Call2Recycle is committed to the safety of their employees, collection sites, transporters, industry stewards, sorters and processors involved in the used battery collection and recycling process. For more information, visit.