Study to evaluate the safety concept for the collection of lithium batteries
Background and objectives of the study
The study carried out by bifa Umweltinstitut GmbH on behalf of Gemeinsame Rücknahmesystem Servicegesellschaft mbH (GRS) on the ‘Future-proof collection, transport and disposal of portable batteries and industrial batteries similar to portable batteries’ examines the safety-relevant aspects of handling used batteries, in particular lithium batteries (LiB), which are increasingly being used in electrical appliances, electromobility and renewable energies.
Currently, the proportion of portable batteries placed on the market in Germany is around 30%, with a significant increase expected in the coming years. In addition to the strong growth in the area of waste portable and industrial batteries, there is also very strong growth for electrical appliances powered by rechargeable batteries, e.g. power tools, garden and household appliances, e-bikes, consumer electronics, communication devices, hearing aids and the like.
The study was conducted due to multiple incidents of fires in sorting facilities for packaging and household waste, in which incorrectly disposed or improperly collected portable batteries, in particular LiB, but also small and micro battery-operated electrical appliances such as e-cigarettes, were identified as the causes of fire. The increasing quantities of LiB in the waste stream therefore require a review of safety concepts in order to reduce fire risks.
Recommendations for action along the entire battery collection process chain
In the study, the effectiveness of existing safety concepts was reviewed and further developed, particularly with regard to the risk of fire incidents caused by improperly disposed of or treated batteries. As a result, the existing safety concept for collecting and disposing of used batteries was subjected to a comprehensive reassessment. This included analysing fire incidents in relevant facilities and carrying out fire tests under laboratory conditions.
bifa Umweltinstitut GmbH has completed the final report on the review and evaluation of applied safety concepts for the collection of LiB in the context of battery collection and take-back of battery-operated waste electrical and electronic equipment. A summary of the results will be published shortly.