Battery disposal has been a topic of discussion in the waste industry for years as an obstacle many companies face in IT asset disposition. Lithium-ion batteries especially pose issues for e-waste disposal and have been the source of many warehouse and house fires. Many states have enacted battery disposal laws to ensure they are disposed of properly, and New Hampshire recently passed their own.
Dangers of Irresponsible Battery Disposal
Batteries can be dangerous when not disposed of properly, but Lithium-Ion batteries are especially dangerous because of their explosive nature. LIBs are highly flammable and sensitive to high temperatures and undergo self-discharge. 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 significant electrical shortage. During a thermal runaway, the heat from a failed cell can spread to the next one, making it also thermally unstable. Though self-discharge may seem like a manufacturing defect, it is a battery characteristic affecting all batteries.
New Hampshire is the latest state to implement battery disposal legislation. Starting July 1, 2025, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries will be prohibited from disposal in New Hampshire’s landfills and incinerators. The ban will also include a range of other electronics, including wireless telephones, printers, copiers, fax machines, and computer accessories, which will be prohibited from landfill disposal and incineration.
Obstacles of Battery Disposal in ITAD
Battery disposal presents many challenges in the ITAD industry, first and foremost being the potential of fire. Other challenges, such as the need for specialized recycling facilities, high costs associated with safe disposal, and data security concerns when handling devices containing batteries, require careful management to comply with environmental regulations.
Responsible Disposition Helps Prevent Battery Incidents
The risk of device overheating is prevalent with retired IT assets. Many end up in storage, piled together in storage units without airflow or closets with no ventilation. Partnering with an ITAD provider prevents the hassle of finding a disposition plan for used assets and eliminates the need for storage. IT asset disposition facilities like HOBI are trained in battery removal and dispose of lithium-ion batteries in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. With more than 30 years in the industry, HOBI is a premiere IT asset management and disposition enterprise focusing on mitigating environmental liability via electronic recycling. HOBI prioritizes employee and asset safety with safe, efficient storage that prevents heat damage.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.