How to safely dispose of lithium batteries

From smartphones to cameras, lithium batteries power much of our daily life—but what happens when they reach the end of theirs?

Throwing these batteries in the regular trash may seem harmless, but it poses serious safety risks. In the UK alone, incorrect disposal of lithium batteries causes over 200 fires annually, with the numbers steadily rising. In fact, 48% of waste fires are linked to discarded batteries. And with projections estimating 78 million lithium batteries will be thrown away daily by 2025, the problem is only set to grow.

So, why do these fires occur? Lithium batteries are highly sensitive to damage from moisture, heat, pressure, or impact. This can trigger a dangerous chain reaction, causing overheating, smoke, and even explosions. Fires have broken out in everything from kitchen bins to waste collection vehicles and recycling centers, putting both people and property at risk.

The good news is that safe recycling is a simple solution. Proper recycling not only prevents landfill waste but also allows lithium to be reused. Here are three ways to safely dispose of old batteries:

1. Contact Your Local CouncilCheck for special pickups for electrical waste or visit a council recycling center. If these aren't available, use the "Recycle Your Electricals" website to find the nearest drop-off point.

2. Return Batteries In-StoreMany stores that sell batteries or devices are legally required to accept them back for recycling, and some even offer incentives like discount vouchers. If you have old, unused devices like phones or laptops, consider recycling them, and you might even earn money from private buyers.

3. Handle Integrated Batteries CarefullyDevices with built-in batteries, like electric toothbrushes or certain toys, shouldn’t be disassembled. Recycle them whole at a center or return them to the retailer.

   
   

By taking these simple steps, we can all contribute to a safer environment and help protect our planet—one battery at a time.