Phones may seem slower as they age and clog their memories, or could this be because new ones are faster? Whichever the case, the truth is all good things come to an end, and life must move on too. However, we should not dump our old phone in the trash. Recycling old phone batteries still matters, and we should do our bit for the sake of the planet.
BEFORE WE CONTINUE THIS IS IMPORTANT:
Always allow a phone to cool down completely before opening the case. Never attempt to remove a phone battery if it is still warm, or swollen. If you have any doubts, put the phone and / or battery outside your home, and ask emergency services for advice.
Remove Batteries Before Recycling Old Phones
Many phone users still seem unaware that phone batteries require special disposal treatment, for these two very good reasons:
- Smart phone batteries contain lithium and cobalt metals. These are in short supply which is the first reason why recycling old phone batteries makes sense.
- Smart phone batteries also contain lithium salts in their electrolyte. They can catch fire quite easily if they overheat. Recycle batteries where people know what to do.
Many phones have removable batteries. Consult your user manual or your local dealer for advice. But some phones don’t come apart, and so you can’t remove the battery. In this case, hand the complete phone over at the local agent.
What Happens to Old Batteries We Don’t Need
Batteries handed in at official recycling points are carefully taken apart, and then broken down to salvage their useful materials. Those thrown in the trash should be recovered separately by the local authority, although some slip through, and may cause fires.
Batteries carelessly dumped in the open can decay, spill their contents, and leech chemicals into the environment where these may pollute water resources. Recycling old phone batteries responsibly is our civic duty, to protect the environment and help ensure a better life for all.
More Information
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Update
