Lithium-ion batteries are one pathway to making a fossil fuel-free society a reality, because they can store energy generated from wind, hydro, solar, and other renewable sources. They are used in cell phones and other mobile devices, and electric vehicles, including cars and e-bikes. But there are multiple risks when we throw these batteries in the trash instead of recycling them.

Believe it or not there are free ways to reduce risks and safely recycle your lithium-ion batteries!

The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) of UL Research Institutes (ULRI) has launched the BeNiceToYourDevice.org website as part of its “Be Nice To Your Device” safe battery recycling campaign.

Featuring videos, educational content, action guides, and a quick and easy way to find your closest battery recycling location, the site aims to give the public information and resources to raise awareness of why it’s important to properly recycle lithium-ion batteries and how it helps to shape a safer, more sustainable world.

When crushed during the trash collection or recycling process, lithium-ion batteries can go into thermal runaway, causing explosions and fires in waste management vehicles and recycling facilities. When put into landfills, they can leach toxins into the ground. But when safely and properly recycled, most of the battery’s components can be reused and turned into new batteries, reducing the need to mine for new materials — which contributes to a more circular economy.

You can help spread the word about safe battery recycling by sharing the website and its resources with your family and friends. Also, you can follow and share campaign updates on UL Research Institutes’ and ESRI’s social media channels.