Did You Know? Industry guide on lithium batteries
Lithium batteries power many of our everyday devices, from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and electric toothbrushes. However, their increasing presence in electrical and electronic equipment poses significant risks, particularly when it comes to their disposal. Fires caused by lithium batteries in waste management facilities have become a growing concern, leading to financial losses, environmental damage, and safety hazards for workers.
To address these challenges, eight industry associations (FEAD, BMRA, EERA, EBRA, EUCOBAT, EuRIC, RECHARGE, WEEE Forum) and Insurance Europe have joined forces to develop a new industry guide on the collecting, handling and treatment of waste lithium batteries. This guidance document aims to provide clarity on fire prevention measures and best practices to ensure safer management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) containing lithium batteries.
Why are improperly disposed lithium batteries a problem?
When damaged, improperly disposed of, or exposed to certain conditions, lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire, sometimes even exploding. Fires linked to lithium battery waste have cost waste management facilities millions of euros due to production downtime, equipment damage, and rebuilding costs. Additionally, the increasing frequency of these fires has led to higher insurance premiums, and in some cases, facilities struggling to secure insurance coverage at all.
Beyond financial repercussions, these fires also have severe environmental impacts. When lithium batteries catch fire, they not only release toxic fumes but also destroy valuable secondary raw materials that could otherwise be recovered and reused in the circular economy.
What can be done?
Proper handling of lithium batteries is crucial at every stage of their lifecycle. Key stakeholders (including producers, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), collection schemes, municipalities, reuse operators, and recyclers) must work together to ensure the safe collection, treatment, and disposal of these batteries. Consumers also play a vital role in preventing fires by disposing of their batteries at designated collection points rather than throwing them in general waste bins.
The European Battery Regulation is also stepping up requirements to mitigate risks. By 2027, all portable batteries embedded in appliances and light transport equipment must be removable and replaceable by the user or a professional. This means consumers will need to take greater responsibility for separating batteries from devices before disposal.
A step towards safer waste management
The newly published industry guide is a valuable resource for waste operators, recyclers, and policymakers striving to reduce the risks associated with lithium battery waste. By implementing the recommended fire prevention criteria and best practices, we can safeguard waste facilities, protect workers, and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Want to learn more? Access the full guidance document here!