As of: February 9, 2024, 9:00 p.m
By: Katrin Kleinschmidt
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Your time is up: the Erbenschwanger recycling and waste disposal company has dismantled the containers.
© Erbenschwanger Recycling and Waste Disposal Company
Batteries should not end up in collection containers for electrical devices.
But the hints are ignored.
Because of the fire risk, the EVA is taking action.
District
- They are useful, no question: lithium-ion batteries.
These small energy sources are now found in many devices.
But when it comes to disposal, the dark side of technology becomes apparent.
This was also the case last fall, when discarded small electrical devices were supposed to be transported away from the district.
A fire broke out in the recycling company's corresponding container, as the Erbenschwanger Recycling and Waste Disposal Company (EVA) wrote in a press release.
The incident has consequences: The EVA had all 49 containers for collecting small electrical devices, the so-called igloos, removed in the district.
“Unfortunately, this type of collection of old electrical devices can no longer be continued,” says Claudia Knopp, waste consultant at EVA.
The containers were set up in 2011 so that fewer devices end up incorrectly in the residual waste bin.
They have since added collection points at recycling centers.
Damaged battery probably caused fire
The reason for dismantling the containers is that the contracted company is no longer willing to transport and recycle the devices.
The fire was “most likely caused by a damaged lithium-ion battery,” says Knopp.
Actually, the devices should only be thrown in without a rechargeable battery or batteries.
But the instructions on the containers “are ignored.
The risk increases that Li-ion batteries will be damaged again during emptying or subsequent transport and that fires will be triggered by the resulting chemical reactions,” says Knopp.
“The quality of the small devices thrown in has deteriorated significantly.” And at the same time, the number of Li-ion batteries continues to increase – “and with it the safety risk at public collection points,” explains Knopp.
Recording in the igloos is therefore “no longer appropriate”.
Recycling centers continue to accept devices
As usual, electrical appliances will be accepted at recycling centers in the district.
“However, there is an inspection here.” Small appliances are usually placed on a table.
Devices in which the batteries are permanently installed are stored in separate containers and do not go into the large containers.
The EVA also points out that old devices can also be sold to retailers (see box).
There are currently 109 such containers in the district.
They are put to good use.
© Erbenschwanger Recycling and Waste Disposal Company
There are also 109 containers in the district where batteries can be placed.
According to Knopp, the offer is “well received”.
The EVA collected more than 44.5 tons of batteries in 2023.
This corresponds to an amount of 0.7 kilograms per district resident.
The national average in 2022 was 0.4 kilograms per inhabitant.