An Examination of Batteries Remaining in Used Electric and Electronic Devices: Insights Gained from a Transdisciplinary Project

The volume of batteries, especially high-energy batteries, in electric and electronic devices is increasing. They are mainly used in small electric and electronic devices, e.g., mobile phones, laptops, household equipment, and tools. With regard to WEEE, these batteries will either remain in the used appliances or be removed by their users for separate collection. Batteries must be removed at the latest during dismantling in order to avoid loss or damage when WEEE is shredded. A representative sample of 2 mg of small WEEE was collected from take-back points in a German city in order to obtain an impression of consumer behavior. The batteries not removed from used electric and electronic appliances submitted by their owners were examined with regard to their type and condition, i.e., whether they were damaged or not. About 20% of all WEEE ran either completely or partially on batteries. Almost half of the batteries had been removed before the used electronic appliances were submitted at the take-back points. By contrast to standard batteries, the volume of special batteries (mainly Li ion or NiCd accumulators) remaining in the appliances amounted to about 75%. Some further conclusions on the way consumers handle batteries could be drawn from the results.