
Battery Fires Increased in E-Scrap Facilities in 2024
Battery recycling has presented many challenges in the waste management industry, specifically Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their explosive nature. LIBs power more than 70 percent of the world’s rechargeable devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and electric vehicles. As technology evolves, battery fires have increased, specifically in e-scrap facilities, making responsible IT asset disposition crucial. Lithium-Ion Batteries Spark Chemical Fires Most batteries can be dangerous if improperly handled, but LIBs are especially dangerous. Highly