Warehouse Fire Destroys 900 Tons of Lithium-Ion Batteries Awaiting Recycling

Pin lithium-ion is essential for electronic devices from phones to electric cars. However, they contain flammable materials, combined with the energy they store, can make them prone to fire when exposed to heat and release hazardous chemicals.

A fire broke out on February 17, 2024, at a warehouse in the town of Viviez in the Aveyron district, southern France, where 900 tons of lithium-ion batteries were awaiting recycling – owned by the recycling group SNAM. According to French media, local authorities ordered residents to stay indoors and close their windows as thick smoke engulfed the town. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported from the fire.

Lithium-ion batteries are essential for electronic devices from phones to electric cars. However, they contain flammable materials, combined with the energy they store, can make them prone to fire when exposed to heat and release hazardous chemicals. The danger they pose has raised concerns in countries where electric vehicles are promoted as environmentally friendly means of transportation.

Jean-Louis Denoit – Mayor of Viviez, called this fire incident a “shock” and told the French news channel BFMTV that, “Behind all of these, there is indeed a reason to question the functionality of electric cars and lithium-ion batteries.”

According to BBC News, throwing batteries into household waste bins causes around 700 fires per year in dustbin lorries and waste treatment centers.

Ben Johnson, from the Environmental Services Association (ESA), told BBC News that “more and more people are discarding devices containing these batteries together with household waste or mixing them with other recyclable materials. That causes a real problem, because when they are damaged they tend to explode or catch fire. And when you throw them into regular or recyclable waste bins, they can be crushed, compressed, or possibly get wet. That can cause a short-circuit in the batteries and of course, that can lead to fairly significant fires.”

According to Reuters, lithium-ion batteries can emit cadmium into the air through smoke. Cadmium is highly toxic and dangerous to the environment and humans, although its toxicity does not have immediate effects on humans but rather accumulates and has long-term effects.

It is known that it took 70 firefighters to control this fire, and then air quality tests were conducted.

France has switched to promoting cycling for its citizens since the COVID-19 pandemic, and electric bikes have become extremely popular in cities like Paris. However, irresponsible behavior of users and increasing number of accidents have led to criticism of the use and proper storage of batteries.

TT (Tuoitrethudo)