9 October is Fire Prevention Day 2023 and there are frequent fires in households, containers, waste disposal vehicles and recycling facilities because of incorrect disposal of lithium batteries from electronic devices. The numbers have risen rapidly in recent years. On one hand, more and more devices with rechargeable batteries are being used - from pepper grinders to drinking bottles and the criticised disposable e-cigarettes, on the other hand, the importation of non-certified electronics.

Correct disposal of rechargeable batteries is not just a matter of going to the recycling centre, as with the drinks deposit. Collection points can be found in all shops that sell devices with batteries and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. In the
age of the electric coffee stirrer, this often also applies to supermarkets and discount stores.

However, burning facilities for sorting, processing or disposing of waste are not simply a problem for waste disposal companies. What are the consequences of the increasing number of fires?

On the one hand, waste disposal companies are forced to increase their fees for all citizens in the long term and the regularity of collection can also come to a standstill and lead to problems ranging from unpleasant odours to rats.

The lack of recycling of raw materials from batteries and electronic devices leads to further shortages. Regardless of the environmental and human rights problems of further dismantling, not only will prices rise here, but waiting times will also increase. The supposed waste itself is also a valuable raw material for the modern circular economy.

Burning waste releases a range of toxic substances - this affects not only employees, but sometimes thousands of households in the surrounding area. Many plants are still working with extinguishing foam containing PFAS. These compounds have been publicised in the media in recent months as carcinogenic eternal chemicals. The groundwater in the surrounding area is not authorised for use for at least 20 years. In addition to health risks, this also entails costs and conversions.

Fires caused by batteries are not a problem for the „others“ or even future generations.

Industry associations are planning to draw attention to the problem at a demonstration in Berlin‘s government district on 10 October.