Batteries power many things used everyday, especially electronics. Our favorite electronics, like tablets, laptops, smartphones, and smartwatches, are all manufactured with Lithium-Ion batteries. Batteries should never be thrown away, but lithium-ion batteries are hazardous due to their explosive nature. For this reason, responsible IT asset disposition is critical to preventing battery fires, whether in-office or working from home. Partnering with an ITAD provider like HOBI will ease the burden of finding a safe disposal method for retired IT assets while providing a range of end-of-life solutions, including data security, data center services, and reverse logistics.
Many companies still have a remote workforce; some use office IT equipment at home, and others use personal devices. Either way, electronics do not last forever; a common issue is what to do with them when they become outdated. Due to convenience, many are often thrown in the trash. However, throwing away IT equipment containing lithium-ion batteries could result in a battery fire whether employees are in the office or working from home.
LIBs are highly flammable and sensitive to high temperatures. While they are generally safe, accidents can happen. These batteries undergo self-discharge, and if this process is not controlled, it can lead to a thermal runaway, also known as ‘venting with flame.’ A damaged cell can allow impurities to penetrate, leading to a major electrical shortage. During a thermal runaway, the heat from a failed cell can spread to the next one, making it thermally unstable as well. Though self-discharge may seem like a manufacturing defect, it is a battery characteristic affecting all batteries.
One of the most common factors of battery fires stemming from cell penetration is battery damage, which can happen anytime. Mobile devices are dropped and damaged daily, but overheating is a lesser-known cause of damage. Overheating can cause battery swelling, eventually leading to a battery fire. Devices left overnight in hot cars, or not thoroughly cleaned can lead to overheating, as well as devices thrown away and left in outdoor garbage containers. Though most battery fires occur in materials recovery facilities (MRF), LIBs can be extremely dangerous anywhere when damaged, especially when not disposed of correctly.
When it comes to electronic waste disposal, including batteries, the safest and most responsible method is recycling through a professional disposition service. IT asset disposition companies collect old electronics and ensure their safe and proper disposal. By partnering with an ITAD provider, you prevent environmental pollution and ensure professional battery removal with strict safety measures. This approach to electronics recycling effectively prevents harmful chemicals from entering the atmosphere and reduces the risk of fires in landfills.
HOBI International, Inc. is an R2v3, RIOS, and IS0 14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of experience in the waste disposal industry. Our trained professionals undergo training and take special precautions when handling lithium-ion batteries during battery removal. HOBI prioritizes the safety of employees with fire safety practices and special tools during the disposition process.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.