Storing batteries: do's and don'ts
There’s a lot of advice on how to store and handle batteries properly. But what should you actually do, and what should you avoid? Let’s sort through some common battery tips and see what’s a must-do and what’s a definite don’t.
Do's
In fact, legislation in many countries (such as Belgium) specifies this. However, this only applies to devices where the battery can be removed easily by consumers (devices with clearly accessible battery compartments). Otherwise, the device should be handed in to the relevant waste disposal organisation who will take care of built-in batteries. In Belgium, this is Recupel.
It’s always best to cover the poles of empty 9V batteries and button cells with a piece of tape. This is because button cell batteries have some large surface anodes and cathodes close together, so it’s very easy to create circuits and short circuits with other batteries (particularly 9V batteries) which can lead to fires. For safety, it’s best to place tape over both the anode and cathode of used cell / button batteries. The same goes for 9V batteries.
Batteries are considered household hazardous waste (HHW). Therefore, it is important to always store them separately and collect them properly. This way, they do not pose a risk and can be recycled correctly.
The ideal place for batteries is in a dry spot at room temperature. Also, make sure to store empty and full batteries separately from each other, so you can always distinguish them well.
Dont's
While some older battery technologies could lose charge when left at room temperature for several months, times have changed, batteries have improved, and all major battery manufacturers recommend a room-temperature environment for storing batteries. Fridges are also a potentially dangerous environment for batteries as condensation and moisture can damage them.
Never leave batteries within reach or sight of children. Even short moments of unsupervised access can lead to an incident. Button cells present a ingestion hazard. If swallowed, they can become lodged in the oesophagus and generate an electrical current, causing internal burns.
Do not store loose batteries in accessible places, but in a secure location, out of reach and preferably out of sight. It’s also best not to replace batteries in devices in the presence of children.
Nickel-cadmium batteries suffer from the ‘memory effect’ whereby they forget their full capacity if not fully discharged regularly. However, most devices today use lithium-ion batteries, which don’t have that issue at all. In fact, fully draining the battery before charging your phone or computer may even put some slight additional stress on the battery!
