South Bay Energy: How to Safely Dispose of Old Lithium-Ion Batteries

If you’ve been changing mobile phones and other devices on a regular basis, you probably have a lot of old lithium-ion batteries lying around. These batteries often contain hazardous material and lithium compounds are corrosive. They also pose a fire hazard, even when they’ve become fully drained and unusable. Because of this, you can’t just dispose of old lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Here are some tips for disposing of your old batteries.

1. Keep your lithium-ion batteries out of the trash bin. Batteries should be kept away from inflammable objects as the slightest sparks could start a fire. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place. Once you have separated them from the rest of the trash, it’s a good idea to identify a place that would accept them. Many chain stores collect lithium ion batteries and recycle them, and your local library might have this service too. If your city has a hazardous waste facility, it might be a good idea to take your batteries there.

2. Store your batteries safely. Before heading over to the collection facility, take the necessary steps to prevent sparking. Once you take out the battery from the device, cover the ends with tape. You may also use an unsealed bag as the battery might emit explosive gases that build up over time. Remember to bag batteries separately and to keep different kinds of batteries in separate containers.

3. Turn in your batteries to the collection facility. Call ahead of time to check if you have to pay a certain fee and to be sure that they accept lithium-ion batteries. Most centers accept batteries at no cost, but charge a fee for lithium-ion and similar batteries. Some collection sites have limits on the number of batteries they could accept, so ask about it when you call too.