GRS Launches Pilot Project for the Return of Small and Micro Electrical Appliances Containing Lithium Batteries - The LiLA Collection System!

Incorrect disposal of small and micro electrical appliances with lithium batteries (Lithium Light Appliances - LiLA) represents an increased safety risk. GRS is testing separate return of these devices at public waste disposal sites and in retail using the LiLA bin.

GRS Batterien Service

Increasing collection quantities and reducing fire risks

The frequent incorrect disposal of small and micro electrical appliances containing lithium batteries represents an increased safety risk and contributes to fire incidents. GRS Service GmbH is testing the separate return of these devices at public waste sites and in retail, thus making an important contribution to increasing collection quantities and reducing fire risks. The project is scientifically supported by the competence center of the GRS Foundation.

The significant increase in small and micro electrical devices containing batteries poses major challenges for the orderly return of old devices within the framework of the German WEEE legislation. Products such as disposable e-cigarettes, small LED lighting devices, and electronic greeting cards often contain lithium batteries, which can cause fatal fires if disposed of incorrectly.

Since many consumers do not consider these devices to be waste electrical devices that must be disposed of separately, many of these products end up in the collection systems for household waste and packagin. This is further complicated by the fact that the legally stipulated waste return to municipal collection points or to stores does not appear to be appropriate for consumers.

Another significant risk arises from the failure or improper removal of lithium batteries at the so-called initial treatment facilities for waste electrical devices. Lithium batteries that are not removed or are damaged can also cause serious fires in the subsequent disposal chain.

Separate collection of small WEEE devices with the LiLA bin

     "Many battery-operated small and micro electrical devices also end up in our collection containers for used batteries. Although our collection systems are ideally suited for them, the increased treatment costs is then borne by the battery industry - for which it is not responsible."

In order to improve the separate collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment and the safe disposal of the LiB contained in it, GRS Service GmbH is testing the introduction of an additional LiLA (Lithium Light Appliances) collection system in selected regions. Special purple (=lila in German)-colored collection containers, which are set up at public waste disposal sites and in retail outlets, are intended to specifically inform consumers of the need to properly dispose of small and micro electrical devices and the risks of lithium batteries. The collected devices are treated in specially qualified initial treatment facilities and the separated lithium batteries are disposed of appropriately and in accordance with the EU Battery Regulation and the German Battery Act. The removed WEEE is also subjected to further recycling in accordance with the German WEEE legislation.
Quick results are expected

    "This pilot project is initially planned for 2 years. But we are convinced that the project will quickly deliver viable results that can be incorporated into the urgently needed adjustments to the German WEEE legislation. Furthermore, 25 years of battery collection in Germany is a success story - we can learn from the experience and with our LiLA project we will make an important contribution to increasing the amount of electrical devices collected and to reducing fire risks.

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