Battery Safety Course: Disposal of Lithium-Ion Batteries (4-23)

Do not throw lithium-ion batteries into a standard waste bin. This is very dangerous! Lithium-ion batteries can ignite and potentially explode in garbage trucks when they are compacted. The next video explains this in further detail.

IMPORTANT:
If you wish to dispose of a power tool lithium-ion battery, then information on where and how to dispose of used lithium-ion batteries can be found from:
⇨ B-cycle: https://bcycle.com.au/
⇨ Community Recycling Centres (EPA): https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-envir...
⇨ Planet Ark: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/
⇨ Mobile Muster: https://www.mobilemuster.com.au/recyc...
⇨ Australian Battery Recycler’s Initiative: https://batteryrecycling.org.au/
⇨ Recycle mate: https://recyclemate.com.au/

Never dispose of a lithium-ion battery in a standard waste bin! This is very dangerous.

Also, note that some recyclers advise the use of clear tape (as opposed to electrical tape). Please use the above links to see what tape each recycler recommends.

Key Takeaways:
► Prohibited Disposal Methods
⇨ Lithium-ion batteries must not be discarded in standard waste bins or waste streams due to the risk of ignition and explosion during garbage compaction processes.
⇨ Disposing of these batteries improperly can lead to dangerous fires in rubbish bins or dumps, especially if other flammable or explosive materials are present.

► Recommended Disposal Practices
⇨ Many recycling companies provide specific collection bins for the disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Contact these recyclers for disposal instructions.
⇨ Before disposal, insulate the battery pack's terminals with electrical tape to prevent contact with conductive materials, reducing the risk of short circuits.
⇨ Although a discharged battery pack contains less energy, insulating its terminals remains necessary for safe disposal.
⇨ It's advisable to discharge a healthy battery pack before disposal to minimize energy content.

► Dangers of Burning or Incinerating
⇨ Burning or incinerating lithium-ion batteries is extremely dangerous as it can lead to explosions and the release of toxic fumes and materials.

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The development of this course has been funded by the Stanley Black and Decker Makers Grant as part of the Global Impact Challenge grant program.

The course has been developed by the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute and the UNSW Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE).