Lithium batteries need to be identified by type and condition before collection. An intact spent battery is different from one that is swollen, damaged or has been involved in a thermal incident. Those conditions affect how the battery can be packaged, handled and accepted for collection.
Lithium Battery Disposal
Lithium battery disposal for intact and damaged cells, packs and equipment containing batteries.
HomeLithium Battery DisposalLithium Battery Disposal enquiry
Battery condition
Swelling, impact damage or evidence of heating can change the handling and collection arrangements.
Stored energy
A spent or non-functioning battery can still retain enough energy to create a hazard.
Short circuits and thermal risk
Stored electrical energy remains a concern after a battery has stopped being useful. Terminals and damaged components can create short-circuit and fire risks, and the required controls vary with battery type, size and condition. Staff should not dismantle unfamiliar packs or try to discharge them before collection.
Contact us about lithium battery disposal
Complete the form and we will get back to you.
Intact and damaged batteries
Routine battery collections should keep damaged units clearly separate from intact stock. A battery that is hot, smoking or burning is an active emergency and should be dealt with under the site’s emergency procedures, with emergency services contacted where appropriate. A waste enquiry is not an emergency response channel.
Batteries inside equipment
Some batteries remain within equipment while others can be removed safely under the manufacturer’s normal procedure. Unnecessary dismantling should be avoided. Signs of impact, swelling or heating remain relevant even when the equipment itself no longer works.
Lithium Battery Disposal: common questions
Can damaged batteries go with ordinary spent batteries?
They should be identified separately because damage can change the packaging, handling and collection arrangements.
Should a battery pack be dismantled before collection?
Do not dismantle unfamiliar packs. Follow the manufacturer's normal procedure where a battery is designed to be removed safely.
Does a waste collection enquiry deal with a battery fire?
No. A hot, smoking or burning battery is an active incident requiring the site's emergency procedures and emergency services where appropriate.
Can a battery remain hazardous after the device stops working?
Yes. A non-functioning device does not prove the battery has no stored energy or damage risk.
Can batteries be put in a general rubbish bin?
No. They need an appropriate separate battery waste route.