With the growing popularity of mobile phones, the number of lithium batteries they contain has increased exponentially. These batteries can entail risks in specific situations, so it’s very important that they’re recycled safely. You can entrust the recycling of lithium batteries to IT-recycling, knowing the job will be done properly. Useful to know: recycling lithium batteries is NOT free, and costs €0.67 per kilo plus a €100 call-out fee. Call +31 413 249756 for an appointment for lithium battery recycling, or simply make an appointment online.
This service is B2B only, so not available to private individuals.
IT-recycling – How does it work?
Step 1: Making an appointment Click on “Make an appointment” and choose “Computer recycling”.
Step 2: Number of kilos Indicate whether the waste weighs more or less than 200 kg.
Step 3: Schedule a date Make an appointment, and you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a collection date. Please state under “Extra info” that it concerns lithium batteries.
Step 4: Transport Our drivers collect everything on the agreed day.
Step 5: Certificate Within 5 working days, you receive an environmental certificate, transport document, and the invoice. We charge €0.67 per kilo plus a €80 call-out fee.
Lithium batteries in computers or mobile phones
As lithium batteries are extremely dangerous and can catch fire with the slightest damage, a safe way of recycling is necessary! IT recycling has therefore turned the whole system on its head, adapted fire protection and relocated the storage of lithium batteries. We have our environmental permit When the batteries and accumulators are still in the computers, laptops or other devices, it is actually more about ordinary computer recycling. We then remove the battery(s) or batteries from the device at a later stage in the recycling process, but for the user of the laptops, computers or mobiles it is the same process as for computer recycling. So you can simply keep devices – even if they still contain lithium batteries and accumulators – and have them disposed of by IT Recycling free of charge. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Separate batteries
This section refers to separate batteries that have been removed from devices. Unfortunately, we have to charge to collect separate batteries, because lithium battery recycling is currently much more expensive than the value of the metals recovered.
Storing lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are extremely flammable, so we recommend that you always store lithium batteries outside in special blue barrels with a special flame-extinguishing substance called vermiculite. This is a legal obligation. It might sound difficult, but luckily we’re here to help. You can borrow both the blue barrels and vermiculite from IT-recycling free of charge.
IT-recycling has devised a completely new system so that lithium batteries can be recycled safely. For example, we have an amended environmental permit, and we are one of the first companies in the Netherlands to have a special, active fire vault for old lithium batteries. We also have a special fire-resistant roll container (up to 1,100 ºC) in our mobile hard drive shredder.
Tips from our experts
A few more tips from our experts to significantly reduce the risk of problems:
- Treat old lithium batteries with respect. Think of your own safety and the safety of your colleagues;
- Always keep old lithium batteries outside;
- Buy a special F500 fire extinguisher, and inform your safety officer. If your company has an in-house emergency response team (BHV), let their instructor know you have lithium batteries and an F500 extinguisher;
- Before choosing a recycling company, ask whether they are ADR certified, whether they can accept batteries, and whether they are WEEELABEX-certified;
- Store old lithium batteries OUTSIDE in a special plastic barrel with a UN mark, and fill the barrel half with vermiculite (available at hardware stores);
- Small quantities of lithium batteries can be disposed of at a recycling centre or supermarket. That’s much better than hanging on to them! Larger quantities? Have them disposed of by an expert; it’s not a job you can do yourself.
- If you have a device of phone or device that suddenly starts emitting smoke, put on gloves and take it outside as soon as possible. Let it burn out there. Never try and extinguish it!
- Fire and lithium batteries? Dangerous! Get everyone out of your business premises as soon as possible. Always extinguish with a 2-person team and a special F500 fire extinguisher. Lithium fire quickly produces toxic gases, so take extreme care! Never extinguish the fire with water, as that could cause an explosion. Also important to remember; only F500 fire extinguishers work.
Lithium battery recycling at IT-recycling
Lithium batteries can be problematic, so all the more reason that lithium batteries are recycled safely. Have you got a large quantity of lithium batteries, and are you uncertain how to deal with them? Are the lithium batteries causing you a problem? Then please contact us without obligation by e-mailing steef@it-recycling.nl or calling +31 6 52468704 or +31 413 249756. We’ll be happy to give you advice or take care of the recycling process.