We are so quick to discard our old phones, replacing them with the latest ones. However, we never think about how to dispose of smartphone batteries while doing so. When we dump old smartphones like any other household waste, they become environmentally hazardous and have a negative health impact. Last November, a discarded smartphone battery ignited a toxic fire in a Ghazipur landfill in New Delhi. Nearby residents were forced to breathe polluted air for days.
This isn’t just a local problem. It is a global crisis. Smartphone batteries, though tiny, pack a toxic punch with chemicals like lithium and cobalt. We will talk more about it later in this article. Here’s why responsible disposal of e-waste matters now more than ever in 2025 and how you can make a difference.
Also Read: Battery Tips: How To Extend Your Smartphone Battery’s Life
Environmental Hazards Of These Batteries
With over 1.5 billion phones sold globally in 2024, many are replaced within two years. That amounts to a huge chunk of this toxic substance going into the landfills. They end up damaging the air, soil, and every other aspect of the environment. It ultimately affects us and every other living being as well. Let us have a look at these hazardous consequences in detail:
1. Spreads Pollution
Old phone batteries are one of the leading factors that cause environmental pollution. The batteries contain toxic chemicals like lithium. These batteries are capable of converting their chemical energy into electrical energy over time. To make this happen, chemicals like lithium, mercury, lead, etc., are added to them, and these chemicals are utterly dangerous. Especially when exposed through casual disposal of smartphone batteries. Once the battery breaks down and these chemicals get leaked, the environmental harm is caused for at least ten years. Think of it like a slow poison seeping into our rivers and soil. Once these chemicals leak, they don’t stop spreading for years.
Almost every kind of pollution, such as air pollution, water pollution, land pollution and so on, can be caused because of the phone batteries.
Also Read: Battery Tips: How To Extend Your Smartphone Battery’s Life
2. Ecosystem and Health Risks
Improper disposal of smartphone batteries releases toxic chemicals that create havoc on ecosystems and human life! Globally, cases of fish dying from contaminated water and birds suffering from polluted habitats highlight the toll on wildlife. These effects persist due to careless battery disposal. These same toxins seep into the soil, disrupting food production by contaminating crops and making them hazardous for consumption.
Beyond nature, humans face risks, too. Sanitation workers, for instance, have been harmed while handling garbage mixed with leaking batteries. The only solution is responsible disposal to break this cycle of harm.
Also Read: How To Save Battery Life On iPhone!
3. Long Term Impact
In 2025, India is projected to generate over 2 million tons of e-waste, with smartphone batteries driving a significant share, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Globally, the UN reports e-waste hit 62 million metric tons in 2024. Yet less than 20 per cent is properly recycled. New regulations, like the EU’s 2025 mandate, require 70 per cent battery material recovery. This highlights the push for change. However, the gap remains wide, especially in developing nations.
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Why Choose To Dispose Smartphone Batteries?
When e-waste like smartphone batteries is left to decompose in landfills, these toxic substances can contaminate soil and water, causing a major threat to both ecosystems and human health.
It must be opted to protect and save the environment and ourselves. All these toxicity and hazards caused by phone batteries can be reduced and eventually stopped by opting for the correct ways to dispose of phone batteries.
Disposing of batteries in the correct manner can save the lives of the various creatures living in our environment. Not just the environment and wildlife, but the correct ways of disposing of batteries are beneficial for all of us.
Also Read: Why Is My Phone’s Battery Draining So Fast?
How To Responsibly Dispose Of Smartphone Batteries?
Fortunately, disposing of and recycling old phone batteries with the correct measures is an easy task to perform. Read the following points to know How to Dispose of Smartphone Batteries responsibly:
1. Use Manufacturer Recycling Programs
Many brands, like Samsung and Apple, now offer doorstep recycling in 2025. Samsung’s ‘Eco Pickup’ pilot in metro cities lets you schedule a free collection. Apple’s trade-in program offers up to Rs. 10,000 off your next iPhone for returning an old device. Ask at their stores or websites about these initiatives.
2. Re-commerce Platforms
Some electronics retailers, like Croma or Cashify, facilitate drop-off programs for used and old mobile phones. They can also have exchange programs. You can exchange your old phone for a new device at a much-discounted price. Drop off your old phone. Or schedule a pickup, they have both the facilities.
At Croma, you can buy any other electronic device in return for your old mobile phone. At Cashify, you can either exchange your old smartphone for a new refurbished mobile phone or just sell the old device. There are many offers involved in certain models. Do check out the Cashify website. You earn money and save the planet, too.
3. Local Electronic Waste Centre
If your smartphone and its battery are still in good working condition, consider donating or reselling them. There are various organizations and online platforms that facilitate the donation or resale of used electronic devices. This not only extends the life of the device but also reduces the demand for new ones, ultimately lowering e-waste generation.
An effortless and simple way to dispose of smartphone batteries correctly is to take them to a local electronic waste centre. You can search for these centres online and quickly get information about a lot of them and the ones located near you. You can also easily contact your city’s hazardous material disposal centre for details, locations, and any other information you want regarding the old batteries and their disposal.
Also Read: 5 Best Battery Saver Apps For Android Smartphones
4. Electronic Repair Shop
If you are unable to find a local electronic waste centre, then try visiting our electronic repair shop or electronic supply shop near you. These shops usually have relevant information and disposal facilities that will help you dispose of old batteries rightfully.
Also, these shops might have an e-waste drop-in box where you can voluntarily drop your e-waste, including your old gadgets and batteries, and the concerned authorities will dispose of the batteries correctly.
5. Explore New Innovative Recycling Options
In 2025, innovations are happening in the realm of recycling e-waste. The sorting plants are now AI-driven. Bioleaching principles are used that use bacteria to extract metals. These initiatives are revolutionising battery recycling. Startups like E-Waste Heroes in Bengaluru now recover up to 95 per cent of lithium and cobalt, reducing mining needs. Cashify also has its own unique way of managing and recycling e-waste.
5. Check Online
Even though the chances are rare, if you still cannot find the right place for the dispose of smartphone batteries, then write your query online and search for contact numbers or details regarding the correct ways for disposing of old batteries in your city. You will find numerous contacts and institutions that will help you in resolving this issue.
There are many startups that are doing this business wherein they collect your e-waste from your doorstep, and some of those startups even pay you some money in return for those e-waste products. While some have special programs for donating old phones.
Precautions To Take While Disposing Of Batteries
There are certain precautions that you must take when you notice a swollen battery or take out the old phone’s battery. These precautions are as follows:
1. Avoid Punching Or Pushing
When removing a battery, always remember not to have a tight grip on it. Make sure that you do not punch it or push it in any manner while doing the task. Batteries are delicate and can get punctured very easily. Even a small force can break the batteries.
Also Read: Did You Know These 5 Hidden Features In Amazon Fire?
2. Store In A Cool Container
Do not leave the battery in the open once you can take it out. It is best to keep the battery in a cool container as it will help prevent the battery from getting punctured and for other safety purposes.
3. Get Professional Help
If you are not sure whether you will be able to take out the battery, then it is better to get professional help. You can contact any electronic repair store for this purpose, and they will instantly provide you with expert and professional help.
Also Read: What Is mAh in Batteries? Meaning And Its Importance
4. Never Charge A Swollen Battery
You must never charge a swollen battery. Just stop using the battery and charging it the moment you notice your phone battery getting swollen. Charging a swollen battery can lead to absolutely dangerous consequences, such as an explosion.
5. Don’t Try Recycling On Your Own
There is no requirement for personal experimentation or involvement with the battery. It is advisable to leave battery-related tasks to qualified professionals. Personal intervention could potentially lead to additional complications and safety risks.
Lastly, environmental responsibility begins with education. Inform yourself and others about the environmental impact of e-waste and the importance of properly disposing of smartphone batteries. Sharing knowledge and promoting responsible e-waste management within your community can raise awareness and drive positive change.
Also Read: Why Is My Phone’s Battery Draining So Fast?
Taking Responsibility: The Need to Properly Dispose of Smartphone Batteries
As e-waste climbs in 2025, fueled by AI-powered phones and 5G upgrades, the toll on our planet is undeniable. But small actions like recycling your old battery or choosing repairable devices can shrink that Everest-sized waste pile. Adopt responsible disposal practices, such as recycling, participating in take-back programs, and choosing sustainable and repairable devices.
By taking these steps, we can collectively reduce the impact of e-waste and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Be a part in building a cleaner, greener future.
If you’ve just bought a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old phone, then here’s your answer. Sell old mobile to Cashify and get the best price for it. If you are planning to buy a new phone, check out Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones. You can get your favourite phone at almost half price with six-month warranty, 15 days refund and free delivery.
