Definitive guide to battery disposal: risks, legislation, and sustainable solutions for companies

Publication date: 2025-10-20

Definitive guide to battery disposal: risks, legislation, and sustainable solutions for companies

Description: Improper battery disposal is one of today’s major environmental problems. This complete guide presents data, legislation, and solutions for companies to ensure sustainability and compliance.

Why is battery disposal a global challenge?

Batteries are essential in modern life — powering vehicles, electronic devices, data centers, telecommunications, and industries. However, at the end of their life cycle, they become one of the most dangerous categories of waste.

According to the United Nations, the world generates more than 50 million tons of e-waste annually, with batteries representing a significant portion due to the toxicity of their components.

Environmental and health risks

Improper disposal of batteries exposes the environment and people to serious risks, including:

• Soil and water contamination: heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can leach into groundwater.
• Toxic gas emissions: lithium batteries may release flammable and explosive compounds.
• Public health risks: prolonged exposure to toxic substances can cause neurological and respiratory diseases.
• Loss of critical raw materials: metals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium could be recovered and reintroduced into the circular economy.

Legislation and corporate responsibility

In Brazil, the National Solid Waste Policy (Law 12.305/2010) establishes shared responsibility for the product life cycle. This means manufacturers, importers, distributors, and consumers must ensure proper disposal.

Companies that fail to comply with regulations face:

• Environmental fines exceeding R$ 50 million (Environmental Crimes Law – Law 9.605/1998);
• Loss of public and private contracts;
• Civil and criminal liability;
• Irreversible damage to corporate reputation.

Globally, similar regulations apply, such as the European Directive 2006/66/EC and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards in the United States.

Types of batteries and their risks

Not all batteries present the same risks. Understanding the most common types is essential:

• Automotive (lead-acid) batteries: highly toxic and require specialized disposal.
• Industrial batteries: used in telecommunications and data centers, containing heavy metals and corrosive electrolytes.
• Lithium batteries: found in cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles; flammable if punctured or exposed to heat.
• Alkaline batteries: less hazardous but still require proper disposal.

Sustainable solutions for companies

The Ecobraz Emigre NGO, the world leader in electronics recycling, offers complete solutions for battery disposal, ensuring safety, documentation, and positive ESG impact. Key differentiators include:

• Nationwide collection;
• Secure industrial-scale dismantling and recycling;
• Complete documentation: technical reports, manifests, and invoices;
• ESG reporting: detailed metrics to prove positive environmental impact;
• Recovery of critical raw materials: reducing the need for mining extraction.

Turning disposal into a competitive advantage

Companies that adopt sustainable disposal practices gain benefits such as:

• Legal compliance with national and international regulations;
• Enhanced corporate image with clients and investors;
• Competitiveness in bids and contracts requiring ESG proof;
• Contribution to the circular economy through the reuse of strategic inputs.

Global references and sources

This guide was built using international references, including:

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• European Commission – Battery Directive
• IBAMA – Brazilian Institute of Environment

Conclusion

Battery disposal is a global environmental and corporate challenge. Companies that take this issue seriously not only avoid risks but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability. The Ecobraz Emigre NGO is ready to offer complete and safe solutions for this process.

Call to action

Turn your company’s battery disposal into a competitive advantage. Contact the Ecobraz Emigre NGO and discover reverse logistics and recycling solutions available throughout Brazil.

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