Recycle batteries safely
Used batteries are a safety risk that should be taken seriously. Batteries thrown into mixed waste can, at worst, cause significant damage — for example, a fire that could destroy a waste shelter, garbage truck, or waste treatment facility.
Why are batteries dangerous in the wrong place?
Improperly sorted batteries and unsealed ones cause several dangerous incidents every year. They can catch fire, for example, inside a garbage truck when the waste is compressed.
Lithium-ion batteries are especially sensitive: if they are damaged, they can turn into so-called zombie batteries – meaning batteries that appear to be empty but are not actually fully discharged. They can swell, heat up, or even explode.
Battery fires are becoming more common as the number of battery-powered devices increases. In Finland, there have already been reported cases of waste treatment plants catching fire due to batteries. For example, Yle reported on the issue during the summer.
How to recycle batteries correctly
- Collect them at home in one place, for example in a small plastic bag.
- Tape the terminals before placing them in the bag – any kind of tape will do.
- Return them to a store that sells batteries. If there is no separate collection point, you can hand them directly to the staff.
- If the battery is attached inside a device, return the whole device.
- Take large batteries (e.g., e-bike batteries) to a WEEE collection point.
Which devices contain batteries?
Small rechargeable lithium batteries can be found in mobile phones, laptops, cameras, wireless headphones, toys, and electric toothbrushes. Rechargeable lithium batteries are also used in larger devices such as e-bikes, electric scooters, electric cars, and power tools.
For more information, visit: https://zombiakku.fi/fi/ (The site is available in Finnish and Swedish)