Lithium-ion batteries are recyclable, but they don’t go in the recycling bin. The purpose of recycling lithium-ion batteries is to avoid toxic electronic waste from clogging the landfills and to use the retrieved materials in the fabrication of new products. If you want to dispose of or recycle your old batteries, here are 4 steps you can take to safely recycle them.
How to properly recycle lithium-ion batteries:
Remove the battery from the device if possible.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place such as a plastic container.
If the batteries are physically damaged, store them in an insulated plastic bag to avoid any short-circuiting.
Recycle your batteries in a local battery drop-off bin or at a recycling center.
What to avoid when recycling lithium-ion batteries:
Do not throw out batteries in your regular household garbage or recycling bin.
Do not burn batteries in a fire, they may explode.
Don’t mix damaged, and non-damaged batteries.
Avoid storing batteries in metal containers.
Don’t store batteries for a long period of time.
“Lithium-ion batteries are recyclable, but they don’t go in the recycling bin.”
I don’t think EV owners are throwing their car battery packs into their trash cans!