Think Before You Toss: Lithium-Ion Batteries
It’s easy to think “out of sight, out of mind” once something hits the trash. But lithium-ion batteries deserve a second thought.
From cell phones and laptops to power tools, e-bikes, and portable chargers, these batteries power many of the devices we use every day. When they reach the end of their life, they should never go in your regular trash or curbside recycling bin.
When damaged, crushed, or compacted, lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, a rapid chain reaction that can lead to intense fires or explosions. They can also release hazardous materials that may impact soil and groundwater.
What Should You Do With an Old Battery?
Before getting rid of a battery-powered device, take a moment to determine how the battery should be handled. Never place loose lithium-ion batteries in your household trash or recycling bin.
Depending on your location, proper disposal options may include:
- Local battery recycling drop-offs
- Household hazardous waste programs
- Retailer take-back programs
- Specialized recycling facilities
- Manufacturer recycling programs
If a battery is swollen, damaged, leaking, unusually hot, or showing signs of physical damage, avoid handling it unnecessarily and consult your local hazardous waste or battery recycling program for guidance.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
A battery may seem small, but once it enters the waste stream, it can come into contact with equipment and processes that aren’t designed to handle it. Batteries can be damaged during collection, transportation, sorting, or compaction, creating potential fire and safety hazards.
Proper disposal helps keep batteries out of the waste stream where they don’t belong and directs them toward appropriate recycling or handling programs.
Think Before You Toss
Responsible waste management starts with understanding what belongs where. Taking a few extra minutes to identify the right disposal option can help protect workers, equipment, facilities, and the environment.
At Effluent Retrieval Services, we believe responsible waste management starts with knowing what belongs where.
The next time you’re replacing an old device, cleaning out a drawer, or getting rid of worn-out equipment, think twice before you toss it.
