Case Study: Electronics Manufacturer Lithium & Button Cell Batteries

Client Overview

Our client is a UK-based electronics manufacturer producing a range of devices powered by lithium and button cell batteries. Due to the nature of their operations, they generate a consistent stream of hazardous battery waste, requiring careful handling, storage, and compliant disposal.

With increasing regulatory pressure and a strong internal focus on sustainability, the client sought a reliable partner to manage their battery waste safely and efficiently.

Project Requirement

The client needed a compliant and practical solution for:

• Safe storage of lithium and button cell batteries on-site
• Mitigation of fire risk associated with damaged or end-of-life lithium batteries
• Regular, hassle-free collections to avoid waste build-up
• Full compliance with UK hazardous waste regulations
• Clear traceability and documentation for auditing purposes

They also required guidance on best practices for handling and segregating different battery chemistries.

Our Approach

We began by assessing the client’s waste streams and storage setup, identifying key risks and opportunities for improvement.

To ensure safe containment, we supplied 30-litre UN-approved drums, specifically suited for hazardous battery storage. Each container was prepared with vermiculite, providing essential insulation and reducing the risk of thermal incidents.

In addition, we:

• Advised the client on correct segregation and storage procedures for lithium and button cell batteries
• Implemented a straightforward exchange service, ensuring minimal disruption to operations
• Scheduled monthly collections, aligned with the client’s waste output
• Provided clear labelling and guidance to support safe internal handling

When containers reach capacity, they are collected and replaced with fresh, compliant units, keeping the process seamless and efficient.

Responsible Processing and Traceability

All collected batteries are transported in full compliance with hazardous waste regulations to authorised recycling facilities.

We ensure:

• Complete traceability from collection through to final processing
• Issuance of all required waste transfer and hazardous waste consignment notes
• Environmentally responsible recycling processes that maximise material recovery

This provides the client with full visibility and confidence that their waste is being handled correctly at every stage.

Results: Sustainability and Compliance

Through our tailored solution, the client achieved improved safety on site, full regulatory compliance and a streamlined, sustainable waste management process.

By implementing a structured and compliant battery recycling system, the client can now focus on their core manufacturing activities, knowing their waste is managed safely and responsibly.

Case Study: Car Repair Centre Lithium Battery Packs

Client Overview

This client is a national car repair centre operating across multiple locations throughout the UK. As part of their ongoing operations, the client regularly manages end-of-life and electric vehicle lithium battery power packs, requiring a compliant and fully traceable recycling solution.

With increasing regulatory scrutiny around the handling and disposal of lithium batteries, the client needed a specialist recycling partner capable of managing collections across several sites. This is whilst ensuring full compliance with ADR transport and environmental regulations.

Project Requirement

The client required the collection and recycling of vehicle lithium battery power packs from multiple locations. The batteries ranged in capacity from 40kW to 60kW and were classified as hazardous due to their lithium-ion composition.

Key requirements included:

• Nationwide, multi-site collections
• ADR-compliant handling and transport
• Safe preparation and loading of high-risk battery units
• Secure transport to an authorised battery recycling facility
• Full traceability and compliant documentation throughout the process.

Our Approach

We deployed our in-house team of ADR-trained drivers and specialist vehicles to coordinate collections across several counties. Each site visit was carefully planned to minimise disruption to the client’s operations while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Upon attendance, our team prepared each battery unit in line with ADR and manufacturer guidelines. This included inspection, stabilisation where required, and secure packaging prior to loading. The batteries were then carefully loaded onto our vehicles, specifically designed for the safe transport of lithium battery power packs.

In total, 20 vehicle lithium battery packs were successfully cleared from multiple sites and transported safely to a licensed battery recycling facility.

Responsible Processing and Traceability

All collected batteries were delivered to an authorised recycling facility, where they entered a controlled and compliant recycling process. We ensured full traceability from point of collection through to final treatment, with all movements and processing recorded and documented.

The client received complete waste documentation, providing assurance that all materials were handled in accordance with UK environmental legislation and duty of care requirements.

Results: Sustainability and Compliance

By partnering with our business, the client was able to safely manage hazardous lithium battery waste across their national operation. This was all whilst supporting sustainability goals and maintaining full regulatory compliance.

Case Study: Management of Motorcycle Lithium Batteries for a Manufacturer

Client Overview

A UK motorcycle manufacturer required a trusted partner to collect and manage multiple end-of-life lithium batteries generated. With a focus on compliance, safety, and sustainability, the business needed a specialist service capable of handling these batteries reliably and with full traceability.

Project Requirement

The client needed a scheduled collection service for a batch of motorcycle lithium batteries. Their priorities were:

• Fully compliant handling and transport
• Safe removal of batteries from site
• Minimal disruption to their daily operations
• An environmentally responsible recycling route
• Clear documentation for audit and duty-of-care requirements

As lithium batteries present heightened storage and transport risks, the client needed reassurance that the entire process would be professionally managed from collection through to final processing.

Our Approach

We coordinated a tailored collection plan designed around the client’s operational timetable. On the day of collection, our ADR-trained operatives arrived for the safe and compliant transport of lithium batteries. Each unit was checked, documented, and secured following industry best practices, ensuring safety throughout loading and transit.

Execution of the Collection

• Arrival of a licensed collection vehicle at the scheduled time
• Verification and recording of all batteries designated for removal
• Secure packing and isolation of lithium batteries for transport
• Controlled loading to avoid any disruption to the client’s workspace
• Immediate removal of all waste batteries from site

Our streamlined process ensured the manufacturer experienced no operational downtime, while maintaining the highest level of safety.

Responsible Processing & Traceability

Once collected, the batteries were transferred to a specialist facility for responsible treatment. Full duty-of-care documentation was provided, giving the client a transparent record of the waste movement and treatment route. This included all relevant paperwork required for their environmental management systems.

Outcome

The motorcycle manufacturer benefited from:

• A safe and efficient clearance of multiple lithium batteries
• Reduced on-site risk and improved housekeeping
• Complete regulatory compliance
• Peace of mind knowing their waste was handled responsibly
• A reliable partner for future battery-related waste requirements

This project demonstrates how a well-planned and expertly executed collection can help manufacturers maintain safe operations while meeting high environmental standards. 

By providing a dependable, compliant service, we continue supporting UK businesses as they manage the challenges of modern battery waste.