Fires caused by lithium batteries thrown in the trash are becoming more and more numerous. But how to get rid of it safely? The show We talk about it asked the question to Thalia Goldman from the Coopérative romande for waste management awareness.
On December 17, 2024, the hangar of a recycling center in Reconvilier (BE) burned down. A fire probably caused by a battery, carelessly thrown in the trash.
Although small, lithium-ion batteries are most often compact and filled with a large amount of energy, and pose a risk when thrown in the trash. These batteries are sometimes found in unexpected objects, like stuffed animals, children’s shoes that light up when you walk, or even musical birthday cards.
The recycling center or point of sale
“The most important thing is to return the batteries either to the point of sale or to a recycling center. For example, the recycling map application gives all the collection points near you,” advises Thalia Goldman, adult training manager. at Cosedec, the French-speaking Cooperative to raise awareness of waste management, in the program On en parole Friday. “If the batteries are part of a mobile phone or birthday card, return the entire item to the point of sale or a sorting center.”
In addition, the Ordinance on the return and disposal of devices specifies that consumers “are obliged to return their devices to an approved center, including batteries.” Likewise, points of sale are required to collect these devices.
Puffs, a problem
Problems have recently been identified linked to disposable electronic cigarettes, or puffs. “There are a lot of puffs at the moment. People don’t necessarily bring them back to the point of sale or to the recycling center and they end up in the trash. The problem is that the garbage truck’s press can create fires directly in the trucks “, explains Thalia Goldman, who recalls that in this specific case, the kiosks also have the obligation to accept the returns of the puffs sold.
-Keep your old batteries at home
But we must not panic: the risk is lower as long as there is no mechanical stress on the battery, for example if it is not compressed. “However, you should avoid keeping these batteries completely empty, if only for the lifespan of your device. In addition, you should also avoid leaving them charging when they are full. For example, certain phones stop charging at 80% and finish charging at the last moment, precisely to extend the life of your device and avoid the risk of fire,” continues Thalia Goldman.
The best thing is not to keep devices or batteries at home that will not be reused, recommends the specialist. The most important thing: if you notice that a device or battery has changed in appearance, you must return the item to a recycling center or store.”
Radio subject: François Jeannet
Web adaptation: Myriam Semaani
Related News :