Japanese recyclers are experiencing more lithium battery fires according to a report by the Yomiuri Shimbun news service. Reported battery fires have increased steadily in the past five years. 2019 recorded a shocking 128 by June 10. This is already double the 2018 rate. Recycling plants are burning down and operators have gone out of business. We decided to investigate this because we found it a cause for concern.
Japanese Recyclers Confronting Batteries in Garbage
“In most cases, the batteries were mistakenly thrown away by households or businesses along with regular garbage,” Yomiuri Shimbun says. We understand the Environment Ministry has asked municipalities nationwide to ensure citizens separate garbage properly.
Despite this, in ignorance they continue disposing lithium batteries with non-compostable garbage. There are highly flammable organic solvents inside them. Their protection systems occasionally fail when Japanese recyclers accidentally crush them. Unfortunately, there are low-quality lithium batteries on the market that lack these protective circuits.
Safety Compromised Further by Escalating Production
Tokyo-based Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association told Yomiuri Shimbun the problem is also increasing demand. Japanese battery makers produced 1.29 billion lithium-ion batteries in 2018. This was up from 760 million in 2003. Moreover the rate of battery fires has also increased four times during this period.
Japan has a statute on the books requiring makers and importers of rechargable batteries to collect them. This accounts for the boxes at city halls and major electronic retailers. “We want everyone, including households to use collection facilities when disposing of rechargeable batteries,” a ministry official has said. Lithium battery fires in smartphones and other devices are also becoming more commonplace in Japan.
National Institute of Technology and Evaluation reported 175 incidents in fiscal year 2019. This was two-and-a-half times more than 2013. However, the incidence may be similar after allowing for the growing number of devices.
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Preview Image: Accidents Involving Fire or Smoke at Japanese Recyclers
