Lithium batteries and safety

Increase in batteries

More and more ICT waste and old devices being collected are rechargeable and contain a battery. The best-known examples are of course the smartphone or laptop. But the list is getting longer and longer. Consider leaf blowers, vacuum cleaners, handheld scanners, power banks, keyboards, mice or remote controls.

Batteries then and now

"Regular" AA batteries are still widely used, often in remote controls or low-power devices. As devices started using more and more energy, the rechargeable battery was invented. Then your expensively bought batteries lasted longer. With the emergence and development of lithium in batteries, not only did the power of batteries increase, but the range of applications became much broader. Utensils or devices that previously did not need electricity or only worked with a plug were given an electric motor or became cordless. The best-known examples are the electric bicycle, hand tools such as a drill or the replacement for broom or rake... the leaf blower!

For individuals

If battery-containing appliances or loose Lithium batteries are at the end of their life cycle, they should be collected and disposed of safely. Individuals can dispose of them free of charge, such as at a hardware store or at the municipal waste disposal site. In the Netherlands, this is well regulated. Thanks in part to Wecycle

For companies

Bedrijven of instellingen daarentegen dienen een geregistreerde afvalinzamelaar in de arm te nemen. Een milieustraat accepteert immers geen “bedrijfsafval”. Bij Recycling Best B.V. beschikken we over een zgn. ADR certificaat. Dit certificaat is verplicht voor het vervoer van (ADR-plichtige) gevaarlijke stoffen over de weg. Gevaarlijke stoffen zijn via UN-nummers onderverdeeld in gevarenklasses.  Lithium-ion batterijen vallen onder gevarenklasse 9 van het ADR met bijbehorende etikettering. We nemen daarom altijd alle maatregelen in acht voor een veilig vervoer en opslag van batterijen en accu’s.

5 tips for old lithium batteries

• Keep batteries undamaged and never open them
• Protect lithium batteries from heat and moisture, as water can cause short circuits
• Never let the amount of lithium batteries become large. Dispose of them on time.
• For somewhat larger quantities, store them in approved packaging with UN certification
• Only have your old lithium batteries collected/collected by a registered waste collector with ADR certification.

De landelijke ophaalservice voor bedrijven van Recycling Best B.V. neemt bij het ophalen van oude ICT apparaten zoals computers, laptops, monitoren en printers ook losse oude batterijen en laptop-accus’s mee. Je kunt je overtollige apparatuur opgeven via ons aanmeldformulier.

Do you have questions about lithium battery disposal? Feel free to call us at 0499 234000. We will be happy to help you.