Battery disposal: legal obligations and safe solutions for companies in Brazil

Publication date: 2025-09-22

Battery disposal: legal obligations and safe solutions for companies in Brazil

Description: Improper battery disposal poses serious environmental and legal risks for companies. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury contaminate soil and water when not properly managed. This article explains Brazilian legislation, the risks of non-compliance, and how the Ecobraz Emigre NGO ensures safe, documented, and compliant solutions.

Why battery disposal is a critical issue

Batteries contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. When disposed of improperly, they release substances such as lead, cadmium, and mercury that can contaminate soil, water resources, and even the food chain. For this reason, safe disposal has become a legal obligation for companies operating in Brazil.

What Brazilian law says

The National Solid Waste Policy (Law 12.305/2010) and Decree 10.240/2020 establish that manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of batteries are responsible for their reverse logistics. Companies must:

• Provide collection and take-back systems for used batteries.
• Ensure proper treatment and environmentally sound final destination of materials.
• Issue reports and compliance documentation proving adherence to the law.

Consequences of improper disposal

Companies that fail to comply with the requirements are subject to:

• Fines and environmental sanctions: significant penalties under Brazilian law.
• Civil and criminal liability: in cases of proven contamination.
• Reputation damage: negative impact on brand image with clients, partners, and investors.
• Loss of competitiveness: exclusion from bids and contracts that demand environmental compliance.

The role of Ecobraz Emigre NGO

The Ecobraz Emigre NGO is the world’s largest reference in electronics recycling and battery disposal. Its model guarantees:

• Specialized collection: nationwide service in Brazil.
• Safe processing: dismantling, neutralization, and environmentally sound final destination.
• Official documentation: manifests, technical reports, and invoices ensuring full compliance.
• Corporate service: tailored solutions for industries, multinationals, distributors, and marketplaces.

How your company can comply

1. Map your liabilities: identify unusable batteries in stock.
2. Schedule collection: contact the Ecobraz Emigre NGO to arrange pickup.
3. Formalize documentation: secure manifests and official reports.
4. Communicate results: use the data in sustainability and ESG reports.

Benefits of proper management

• Legal compliance: avoids fines and sanctions.
• Environmental safety: eliminates contamination risks.
• Brand value: strengthens corporate reputation.
• ESG alignment: evidence of responsible environmental practices.

Call to action

Don’t let battery disposal become a problem for your company. The Ecobraz Emigre NGO offers safe, fast, and documented solutions to ensure your organization is fully compliant with legislation and best environmental practices.

📞 +55 11 4329-2001
✉️ contato@ecobraz.org.br
🌐 www.ecobraz.org