German cities issue warnings over improper battery disposal

Waste management authorities in Arnsberg and Lübeck are issuing guidance on the proper disposal of batteries and rechargeable accumulators to prevent fire hazards. In Arnsberg, officials warn that lithium-ion batteries, due to their high energy density, pose a significant risk of ignition if damaged during collection or sorting. Such fires can endanger personnel, vehicles, and waste processing facilities. Residents are advised to use the city's recycling center or retail outlets, which are legally required to accept old batteries.

In Lübeck, the Entsorgungsbetriebe Lübeck (EBL) emphasizes that batteries and devices with built-in accumulators must not be disposed of in household waste or the sewage system. The city provides several options for disposal, including three recycling centers and a mobile hazardous waste collection service. The EBL also accepts batteries from e-bikes and e-scooters free of charge at their recycling centers.