Batteries have been a significant obstacle in the waste industry for years, and the increasing number of incidents is prompting many states to implement new requirements for battery-containing devices, including proper e-waste disposal. California recently amended an existing battery bill, expanding OEM requirements for battery-embedded devices.
CA Battery Regulations for OEMs
As part of the state’s expansion of its e-scrap program, manufacturers of covered battery-embedded products must comply with new requirements in California. Starting July 1, manufacturers must determine which of their products meet the definition as described in SB 1215 and which products are exempt. Manufacturers must also notify retailers selling their products in California which devices are subject to the battery-embedded device recycling fee and send copies of the notices to CalRecycle. The new state requirements were included in a bulletin along with a recommended template for retailer notices.
Why Batteries Are so Dangerous
Batteries, in general, are not always safe, but lithium-ion batteries are hazardous and can be found in almost all electronic devices, including devices we use every day, such as phones, laptops, tablets, and earbuds. As the most commonly used battery in the world, LIBs are found in 80 percent of electronics today and are a contributing factor to hundreds of facility fires every year. LIBs undergo self-discharge, and if this process is not controlled, it can lead to a thermal runaway. 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 adjacent one, making it thermally unstable as well. One of the most common factors contributing to battery fires stemming from cell penetration is battery damage, which can occur at any time.
LIBs have gained notoriety for their explosive nature and are considered hazardous waste, making responsible disposition crucial.
Proper Battery Disposal with an ITAD Provider
Responsible IT asset disposition is becoming increasingly important in this digital era for multiple reasons. Digital content necessitates digital storage, which requires top-tier data security even after IT assets are retired. Additionally, as technological production increases, so does pollution, and safe asset disposition is vital to maintaining sustainability.
ITAD providers like HOBI partner with other companies for end-of-use services, including guaranteed data security with on-site data erasure and environmentally sound disposal through e-recycling. As the only eco-friendly disposal method for e-waste, recycling eliminates pollution by preventing e-waste from being sent to landfills and incineration facilities. ITAD partners also provide battery removal for asset remarketing, as well as safe and secure storage that helps mitigate overheating.
HOBI is an R2v3, RIOS, NAID, and ISO 14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of experience in the waste industry. Our skilled professionals undergo training and take special precautions when handling lithium-ion batteries during battery removal. HOBI prioritizes the safety of its employees through fire safety practices and the use of specialized tools during the disposition process.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.