Every Properly Disposed Battery Counts

Lithium batteries and rechargeable batteries have become indispensable in our daily lives. They are found in smartphones, tools, e-bikes, toys, wireless headphones, and many other products. At the same time, improperly disposed batteries are creating increasing challenges for the waste management sector. 

When lithium batteries are disposed of in residual waste or other unsuitable collection systems, they can ignite fires due to damage or pressure exposure in waste collection vehicles, sorting facilities, and treatment plants. 

The number of such incidents has been increasing for years, putting employees, emergency responders, and waste management infrastructure at risk. 

As part of Austria’s collection and recycling systems for batteries, ERP Austria takes responsibility not only for collecting and recycling waste batteries but also for raising public awareness. 

For this reason, we actively support the nationwide “Her mit Leer” information campaign and contribute to its financing and implementation together with other industry partners. 

The campaign’s objective is to educate the public about the correct disposal of batteries, reduce incorrect disposal practices, and increase safety throughout the waste management chain. 

Every battery that is collected correctly reduces fire risks and enables the recovery of valuable raw materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminium. 

Proper Disposal Is Simple: 

• Never dispose of batteries or rechargeable batteries in residual household waste. 

• Return used batteries free of charge to retailers or municipal collection points. 

• Collect and dispose of waste electrical equipment with integrated batteries through appropriate channels. 

• Handle damaged lithium batteries separately and, where possible, cover the battery terminals with adhesive tape. 

The “Her mit Leer” campaign demonstrates that a circular economy can only function through collective effort. 

Collection and recycling systems, municipalities, retailers, waste management companies, and consumers all play an important role in conserving resources and increasing safety in waste management. 

Join the initiative by informing your employees, customers, and personal network about the proper collection of batteries and rechargeable batteries. 

Together, we can reduce fire risks and keep valuable raw materials in circulation. 

Further information and practical tips on the proper collection and disposal of batteries and rechargeable batteries are available at www.hermitleer.at.