How to Dispose of Lithium Batteries Safely

Posted 3 weeks ago

Learning how to dispose of lithium batteries is really important when it comes to keeping our waste streams safe. Lithium batteries have become a popular choice in modern electronics due to their high energy density, which allows for smaller, lighter designs without compromising on power. As a result, there are hundreds of everyday electronics that contain lithium-ion batteries, from mobile phones and laptops to e-scooters and vapes. 

Unfortunately, when these batteries are thrown into skips, bins or mixed waste streams, they can become a serious and often invisible fire risk. This article will delve further into the lithium battery fire risk to explain just how dangerous they can be. Then we will share how to dispose of lithium batteries safely to reduce lithium battery fire risk.

Why are lithium batteries so dangerous?

Lithium batteries, when crushed, can quickly ignite into a fire without any prior warning. Whether they are in a skip, a bin lorry or a waste compactor, these fires are extremely difficult to control. 

Due to their volatile nature, once thermal runaway begins, temperatures begin to rise rapidly, flames spread fast, and even explosions are possible. This is an extremely dangerous situation and can pose severe danger to staff and nearby communities. According to QBE, UK fire brigades are now tackling at least three lithium-ion battery fires a day, following a 93% surge between 2022 and 2024.

Most of these fires are caused by lithium batteries that should never have ended up in the waste stream in the first place and therefore could have been entirely avoided with proper disposal.

How to reduce lithium battery fire risk?

In order to prevent lithium battery fire risk, lithium-ion batteries should never be put into household waste, recycling bins, skips or commercial mixed waste. Instead, they should be taken to approved battery recycling points through licensed waste operators who can process them properly.

By ensuring these lithium batteries aren’t thrown into skips and household waste, you can single-handedly reduce the lithium battery fire risk because they are far less likely to be punctured, crushed, or exposed to heat, all of which can trigger dangerous thermal runaway.

How to dispose of lithium batteries safely?

Hurleys Skip Hire is fully licensed with the Environment Agency as a waste transfer station and waste carrier, therefore, you can rest assured that all waste is dealt with safely and responsibly following the waste hierarchy. We have a full list of items you can’t put in a skip, as well as items we’ll accept at an additional charge for processing them.

Remember, when it comes to reducing lithium battery fire risks, store used batteries separately, never crush or mix with general waste and always take them to an approved battery recycling point. 

At Hurleys Skip Hire, we’re here to support you with professional, reliable skip hire, recycling services, and a commitment to responsible waste disposal. Need help getting started? Contact us today, and we’ll help ensure you fill your skip responsibly.

< Back to Blog