Lithium batteries are hazardous waste and must not go in general waste: they can catch fire and leak harmful substances. Companies should remove them from devices, tape the terminals, store them somewhere cool and dry, and hand them to a WMRA-licensed party that transports and stores them safely before treatment.
Where companies have lithium batteries
- Laptops, tablets and phones.
- Modern UPS systems.
- Handheld warehouse devices (scanners, mobile printers).
- Cordless tools.
Safe handling steps
- Remove the battery from the device where possible.
- Tape the terminals to prevent short circuits.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heat.
- Keep swollen or damaged batteries separate.
- Hand them to a licensed recycler and keep proof of handover.
What the law says
Waste Management Law 202 of 2020 treats these batteries as hazardous waste that must go to a licensed party, and WMRA conditions include specific instructions for the safe storage of lithium batteries until they are handed to licensed treatment operators.
Triple RE
We collect batteries with your company’s e-waste using a dedicated hazardous-waste fleet and store them under WMRA conditions until they are handed to licensed treatment operators. Triple RE has operated since 2011, holds WMRA approval no. 3042 and ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certificates, and has recycled more than 10,000 tonnes for over 600 companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can laptop batteries go in the trash?
No. They are hazardous waste that can catch fire and must go to a licensed party.
What should I do with a swollen battery?
Do not charge or puncture it; isolate it away from flammable materials and hand it to a licensed party as soon as possible.
Do you collect UPS batteries?
Yes. They are transported and treated as hazardous waste.
Related
Need help? Call +20 100 069 1011 or request a pickup.