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Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries is a growing crisis in the UK.
Last year alone, 1,200 battery fires erupted in bin lorries and waste disposal sites across the country – a 71% increase from the previous year.
These incidents are a monumental safety concern. Not only is improper battery disposal turning waste facilities into potential fire hazards and putting countless lives at risk, but it is also causing the release of toxic fumes, polluting the air and affecting local communities.
Understanding the risks and proper disposal methods for hazardous waste, especially lithium-ion batteries, is crucial for preventing these dangerous occurrences. Keep reading to find out more about lithium-ion batteries and how you can get rid of them safely.
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common. You can find them in laptops, power tools, cordless vacuums, rechargeable vapes… Even your mobile phone has one.
Lithium-ion batteries work differently from others. Inside one of these batteries, chemical reactions occur between lithium ions and other materials to create energy. These reactions happen in the cathode and the anode; the positive and negative sides of the battery.
When a lithium-ion battery becomes damaged, punctured or overheated, these chemical reactions can become unstable and cause the battery to short-circuit or release a large amount of energy at once.
In this event, a lithium-ion battery generates lots of heat quickly, which can cause more chemical reactions to follow. This self-feeding cycle of heat followed by a reaction can be referred to as a thermal runway and can lead to the battery catching on fire or exploding.
There are also environmental concerns with the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Llithium-ion batteries contain toxic materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. Improper disposal of these batteries means that these chemicals can leak into soil and water and contribute towards environmental pollution.
Lithium-ion batteries power a huge array of devices we use every day. From personal items to household appliances, they’re more common than you might expect. Here’s a rundown of where they can be found…
Smartphones, laptops and tablets are in most households around the UK, and you might already know that they all utilise lithium-ion batteries. But did you know that headphones, fitness trackers and even remote controls can be powered by these batteries as well?
It’s unlikely you’ve ever wondered how a cordless vacuum cleaner works, but guess what? Lithium-ion batteries are inside these wonderful gadgets too. Most cordless items, such as power tools and electric toothbrushes utilise their power.
Lithium-ion batteries can also be found in kitchen appliances like blenders and food processors, and even in your lawnmower.
Vapes and e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular, and incorrect disposal of these items are cause for concern. Why? You guessed it. Lithium-ion batteries.
Portable power banks, flashlights and electric razors are also powered by this type of battery.
Who would have guessed it? You can find lithium-ion batteries in electric bikes, scooters and skateboards! Even hoverboards and some children’s ride-on toys rely on them to move around.
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, and new products that utilise them are constantly and consistently being developed. Wondering what other items you use include lithium-ion batteries? Check product labels or gadget manuals for battery information.
When batteries are tossed into skips, the results can be incredibly damaging.
Waste in skips goes through a collection and processing system where it may be damaged or exposed to heat. For most other waste materials, this isn’t a problem. But when lithium-ion batteries get crushed or punctured they can ignite.
That’s right. They catch fire. Combusting batteries can quickly lead to large fires that spread with speed in waste facilities, putting staff and nearby communities at serious risk. Beyond this immediate danger, these incidents also release toxic fumes and pollutants into the air, contributing to air quality issues and harming the environment.
Proper recycling of batteries is crucial to prevent these risks and to reclaim valuable materials that can be reused and recycled.
In 2022, the Altens Recycling Centre in Aberdeen was devastated by a massive fire. Though it wasn’t conclusively proven, this fire was suspected to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery chucked in with general waste.
The sheer size of the Altens fire was terrifying. It took over 100 firefighters and 118 hours to fully extinguish the flames – nearly five days.
During and following these five days, the surrounding community was impacted in several ways:
The incident was avoidable. Suez Manager’s reflections highlight the severity of the fire and summarise the frustration felt when they say “Such an important facility, vital for the local community, destroyed by something as avoidable as a battery being put in a bin is devastating.”
This case study paints us a picture of just how devastating the consequences can be of failing to dispose of batteries properly.
A single battery, if improperly handled, can lead to the destruction of critical infrastructure, the disruption of local services, and millions of pounds in damages.
Battery use continues to grow in everyday items and electronics and, in the words of the ESA Executive Director, “This is not just a local problem, but a growing issue we’re seeing across the UK.” Public awareness surrounding the proper disposal of batteries has reached a critical point.
Hazardous substances pose a significant risk to you, us and the environment. So how can you dispose of them safely?
Many retailers of lithium-ion batteries have take-back programs, enabling consumers to return the product to where it came from for safe disposal.
Some council-run recycling centres accept lithium-ion batteries and have a dedicated, monitored area for safe storage and, later, disposal.
Find an Essex County recycling centre here and get in touch with them for confirmation before you make the trip.
Supermarkets, libraries and some shops in Essex host battery recycling bins that can be accessed throughout the week to get rid of lithium-ion batteries whilst you’re out and about.
While batteries may seem harmless, they pose a significant danger. Especially to us in the waste disposal sector.
Incorrect disposal of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, can lead to monumental fires that take days to extinguish, environmental pollution and damage to much-needed infrastructure. These incidents are becoming more frequent, highlighting the need for greater public awareness about the risks of throwing batteries into general waste.
Batteries don’t belong in the bin – or your skip. Instead, utilise dedicated battery recycling points and keep waste workers and local communities safe from disaster.
Looking for a skip in Colchester or wider Essex? Get in touch with us at ATS for expert advice and two decades of experience in the art of skip hire. Alternatively, browse our selection of domestic and commercial skips.