SOCIAL - BLOG
David Russell Head of People Workspace at
Three https://bit.ly/3Hf7I2H At last we have
today started our test and learn phase for our
brand new HQ. It’s an amazing space with
incredible digital touch points, but as always
there is a real need to gather feedback and
improve further. What is really interesting, is
the wider change the company has made by
contractually moving to hybrid working, so
our people are supported and set-up for team
collaborating, connecting and social contact.
@IWFM_Awards The #IWFMAwards2022 are
now open! Don’t waste any time in starting your
entries, putting yourself in the running to be
celebrated for your incredible efforts. For entry
tips, follow the link and start today!
https://bit.ly/3o6MBrR
Coleen Cloherty Managing Director at Build
Recruitment linkedin.com/in/coleen-cloherty-
02089b1 To accommodate our growing business
needs, we have moved from Langdale House,
SE1 1EN to Crowne House, SE1 1UN. All of our
Business Sectors are experiencing high levels
of demand which helped to create the urgent
requirement for more space and headroom to
grow our Business.
@Savills What does 2022 hold in store for
flexible office space? The flexible #office sector
is rebounding strongly after the challenging
events of 2020, according to @work_there’s
review of the sector. Find out what lies ahead for
the sector here: http://savi.li/6013ZAsif
@Churchill_Group We are delighted to
announce that we have been shortlisted in the
@GoldenServAward’s Going The Extra Mile
category - for businesses that went above and
beyond during times of adversity. Our entry is
for our Make Ready work with the @SCAS999
Andrew Brown https://bit.ly/3r7X9c7
Remember this? Back in 2011 (I think) I
chose this cover for the FMX issue ahead
of the Facilities Show. Anonymously these
editors were asked for frank opinions on the
#facilitiesmanagement sector that were on
the money, provocative and caused some
consternation. I wonder if the views might be the
same now? And what might industry reaction
be? #workplace #FM #editors #PR #IWFM
#RICS #FMA
18 FEBRUARY 2022
BLOG FROM OWEN GEORGE, DIVISIONAL COMMERCIAL & RESOURCE
STRATEGY MANAGER, GRUNDON WASTE MANAGEMENT
THE IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT
LITHIUM BATTERY DISPOSAL
From laptops to mobile phones, power
tools to watches – batteries are at the
beating heart of almost everything we
touch. While the drive towards sustainability
means batteries are now longer lasting and are
more energy-e icient than ever, there always
comes a time when they run out of ‘juice’ and
need to be disposed of correctly and safely.
Statistics show that in the year between April
2019 and March 2020, lithium batteries alone were
thought to be responsible for more than 250 fires
at waste facilities. To put that into context, the
figure is over a third (38 per cent) of all fires which
took place.
While batteries of any kind should not be
placed into normal mixed recycling or general
waste bins; it is lithium-ion (larger rechargeable
batteries) and lithium primary batteries (nonrechargeable,
usually single-use button cells)
which present the biggest challenge.
This concern is multiplied if they are damaged
or not fully sealed and come into contact with
water during the disposal process.
For example, if you dispose of a lithium battery
in a general waste bin or bag which is then
emptied into a skip or larger container; or straight
into a waste collection vehicle; the potential for
it to inadvertently come into contact with water
is high.
It might be raining; there may be condensation
forming; a half-full bottle may be crushed and
leak onto other rubbish. Even the smallest
amount of water, or water-based liquid, will be
enough to ignite a damaged lithium battery. Not
only is this highly dangerous, but if it happens
during the transportation or recycling process,
then the damage could be extensive and lives
could be put at risk.
This was highlighted recently when a fire broke
out in the trailer of one of our vehicles with a
bulk load of non-recyclable waste en route to an
Energy from Waste facility. Thankfully, the quick
response of our driver and the swi actions of
the Fire Brigade helped avert a major incident.
Investigations later identified that the source of
ignition for the fire was a lithium-ion battery.
Safe disposal of lithium and lithium-ion
batteries
To avoid a potential fire, lithium batteries must be
separated from other waste and stored safely and
securely, ready for collection by a reputable waste
management company.
At Grundon, we o er two simple solutions:
• Our Haz-Box service is ideal for the safe
temporary storage and onward disposal of all
batteries, as well as other mixed hazardous waste.
Lithium battery terminals must first be isolated
by wrapping them in tape and then placed in a
Owen George, Grundon Waste Management
separate container which fits inside the Haz-Box,
ready for collection.
• Our lithium-ion battery drum kit is for the safe
storage and disposal of damaged or expanding
lithium-ion batteries. The kit contains a special
purpose UN Certified drum containing fire
protection granules which safely protect and
cushion the battery against further damage,
whilst also keeping it totally dry. With a
clampdown lid, it can be placed outside in a safe
and secure area ready for specialist collection. If
a fire occurs in the drum, the granules will encase
the battery, reducing the e ects and potentially
extinguishing it.
Strict pre-acceptance and transport procedures
We also operate a strict Lithium Battery
Disposal Acceptance Procedure requiring signed
documentation to certify all the batteries are
intact, and the terminals have been completely
and securely covered.
The consignment will be collected by one of
our ADR (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) trained
drivers and taken to our specialist facilities for
correct and safe disposal. Expanded or damaged
lithium batteries will be transferred to our high
temperature incinerator while undamaged
batteries, including lithium batteries, will be
consigned for specialist recycling.
How FMs can help
• Promote battery disposal awareness among
employees
• Ensure your organisation has the correct
disposal methods in place
• Separate lithium batteries and isolate the
terminals by wrapping in tape
• Invest in secure disposal containers
• Dispose of unwanted batteries regularly to avoid
large quantities building up
• Work with a qualified supplier
For advice and information on the correct disposal
of batteries, speak to one of our experts
Tel: 01491 834 340 Email: hazardous@grundon.com
ADVICE & OPINION
/6013ZAsif
/3o6MBrR
/3Hf7I2H
/3r7X9c7
link
