In just one year

13 tons of lithium-ion batteries disposed of

Where do the large quantities of lithium-ion batteries actually end up? In Upper Austria alone, 13 tons of batteries were disposed of last year. SPÖ energy spokesperson Thomas Antlinger asked Markus Achleitner and Stefan Kaineder.

Small batteries, but large mountains of waste: SPÖ energy spokesperson Thomas Antlinger wanted to know from state councillors Markus Achleitner (ÖVP) and Stefan Kaineder (Greens) how many of the so-called 18650 lithium-ion batteries are disposed of in Upper Austria. This type of battery is mainly used in portable devices such as laptops, power banks, flashlights, electric cigarettes and in renewable energy systems such as solar storage systems and electric vehicles.

SPÖ energy spokesman Thomas Antlinger with a battery.(Bild: SPÖ Landtagsklub)

Research projects called for
The answers to the inquiries submitted to the "Krone" show that almost 13 tons of lithium batteries were handed in at the local waste collection centers alone last year. A further 358 tons of portable batteries were also handed in. But what happens to this large amount of waste? According to the provincial councillors, the collected batteries were handed over to the company Saubermacher for recycling. In addition, the province is funding research projects on the recycling of used batteries.

More instead of fewer batteries
"In terms of avoiding hazardous waste, however, I also miss concepts for the reuse of old batteries," says Antlinger. The SPÖ politician assumes that there will be even more batteries in circulation in the coming years. "Due to social developments and needs - e-bikes, e-scooters or e-cars - it can be assumed that more rather than fewer batteries will be disposed of in the future."