In particular, the lithium accumulators that power mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, laptops and the approximately 200,000 e-bikes in Austria will then also increasingly become a source of danger. “These batteries react violently to excessive heat and mechanical damage. If, for example, a mobile phone falls to the ground, invisible cracks can appear in the battery membranes,” warns the EAK. These cracks also have the potential to widen during further charging processes – short circuits that can cause fires are the result of these processes. “However, through careful handling and correct disposal, the occurrence of uncontrolled chain reactions can be largely prevented,” says EAK Managing Director Elisabeth Giehser.
A lithium battery that is already damaged can not only be recognized by the deformed metal housing or melting points on the plastic housing, but also by the fact that it heats up even when it is switched off. According to the EAK, even the smallest, invisible injuries to the battery membranes can lead to self-ignition. Therefore, when charging smartphones & Co. unattended, it is better to place them on non-flammable surfaces. However, e-bike batteries should not be charged unattended anyway.
Another tip is to avoid touching the battery contacts (outside the devices) with metallic objects, such as coins or keys, as much as possible, because there is a risk of a short circuit here too. If you store lithium batteries and want to take them to the collection point in large quantities first, you should definitely store the batteries individually, for example wrapped in plastic bags. For larger batteries, where bare contacts are visible, be sure to cover the poles with adhesive tape.
Batteries and accumulators or used electrical devices that contain accumulators or batteries can be taken to the approximately 2,000 municipal collection points (waste dumps, recycling centers, etc.) in Austria, where they are recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. Disused, small and undamaged energy dispensers can also be handed in free of charge in the designated “Give me empty” battery collection boxes in shops that sell batteries and accumulators.
Source: Nachrichten
