In a world increasingly powered by portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage, lithium batteries have become indispensable. However, their widespread use has created a growing challenge: how to safely and sustainably recycle lithium batteries.
ERS International, a leader in electronic recycling and IT asset disposition (ITAD), is at the forefront of lithium battery recycling. This guide will walk you through the dangers of improper disposal, the benefits of proper recycling, and how businesses can manage lithium battery waste responsibly.
Lithium-ion batteries contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and flammable electrolytes that can leach into the soil and groundwater if disposed of improperly. Recycling helps recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, reducing the need for virgin mining and protecting natural ecosystems.
When damaged or exposed to heat, lithium batteries can explode or catch fire. Improper handling and storage pose serious safety risks to waste facilities, transportation personnel, and the general public.
In Canada and the U.S., lithium batteries are considered hazardous waste and are subject to strict transport, storage, and disposal regulations. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and liability issues for businesses.
ERS International specializes in safely handling and recycling all lithium battery types.
Proper collection starts with identifying and separating lithium batteries from other waste streams. Batteries must be stored in insulated containers to prevent contact and reduce fire risk.
Under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, lithium batteries must be properly labeled, packaged, and shipped by certified carriers.
Upon arrival at a certified facility like ERS International, batteries are sorted by chemistry, charge level, and physical condition. Trained technicians then disassemble and neutralize the batteries using specialized tools.
Mechanical and chemical processes are used to extract valuable metals. ERS International’s recycling innovations use AI-assisted sorting to enhance recovery rates while ensuring safety and environmental protection.
Recovered materials are purified and reintegrated into manufacturing, closing the loop and supporting a circular economy.
ERS International is fully compliant with environmental and industry standards, ensuring safe lithium battery recycling while maximizing resource recovery.
Companies should create internal guidelines for battery disposal, including employee training, labeling procedures, and storage protocols.
Maintain documentation for compliance and reporting. ERS International provides detailed tracking and audit trails for every recycling batch.
By choosing responsible recycling partners, companies can earn carbon credits—a valuable asset for sustainability reporting. ERS International’s E-Carbon Program quantifies your environmental impact and provides certification for ESG initiatives.
ERS ensures maximum recovery of lithium battery materials while adhering to environmental regulations and safety protocols.
Our end-to-end solutions extend the lifecycle of lithium-based assets while supporting secure and compliant disposal.
Defective or returned lithium-powered products are securely destroyed using both physical shredding and chemical neutralization methods—on-site or off-site.
ERS supports manufacturers in meeting producer responsibility obligations by tracking, recycling, and reporting lithium battery use and returns.
Demand for lithium batteries is set to surge with the rise of EVs and renewable energy. As such, efficient and sustainable recycling will be critical to avoiding future environmental crises. ERS International continues to lead in recycling innovation, using advanced robotics, AI, and closed-loop systems to redefine how lithium batteries are processed.
Failing to manage lithium battery waste is no longer an option. Businesses must embrace sustainable practices to remain compliant, protect the environment, and contribute to a circular economy.
With its full-service recycling, product destruction, and carbon tracking solutions, ERS International is the ideal partner for lithium battery recycling across North America.
Contact ERS International today to learn more about our certified lithium battery recycling services and how your business can contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.