Disposing of Electronic Devices: Remove the Battery—Before It Catches Fire!
Batteries and rechargeable batteries have become an integral part of everyday life. They’re found in smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, toys, greeting cards, tools, and e-cigarettes. What many people underestimate, however, is that improperly disposed-of rechargeable batteries or electronic devices pose a significant hazard.
Most of the electronic waste collected in Jena passes through the initial processing facility operated by Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ). There, old devices are sorted by category, partially disassembled, and prepared for recycling. Time and again, however, improperly disposed-of batteries—such as those thrown into the general waste—lead to dangerous situations.
Danger from Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, can react dangerously if damaged or short-circuited. If, for example, a battery is damaged during the compaction process in a garbage truck, it can lead to what is known as “thermal runaway.” In this process, the stored energy is suddenly released—which can result in fires or even explosions.
A recent incident in Jena-Lobeda clearly illustrates the risks: An electrical appliance, presumably disposed of improperly, caused a fire in a compactor truck. Such incidents not only endanger employees but also result in significant damage to vehicles and disrupt the entire waste management operation. Only thanks to the quick response of the waste management workers and emergency responders was a more serious outcome prevented. Just last week, there was also a fire at a recycling facility in Thuringia.
Dispose of Electrical Appliances Properly
Electrical appliances do not belong in the general waste bin. They contain valuable raw materials that can be recycled.
- Drop-off at the recycling center
- Use the approximately 150 gray collection containers for electronics and scrap metal located throughout the city
- Return to retailers (depending on the appliance)
Suitable drop-off locations can be foundvia the City of Jena’s map portal:
Remove rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries before disposal
As a general rule before disposal:
- Remove batteries and rechargeable batteries from devices whenever possible
- Handle damaged or swollen rechargeable batteries with extreme caution
- Never throw rechargeable batteries in the trash
- Return them to collection points, retailers, or recycling centers
Appeal
By removing batteries and rechargeable batteries—whenever possible—from electronic devices, greeting cards, and other battery-powered products before disposal, you are making an important contribution to fire safety. This protects waste management workers and keeps valuable raw materials in the cycle.