ASDFSA
ASDFSA
ASDF South Africa

Battery Safety & Disposal

Lithium-ion cells power most vaping devices. Used incorrectly they can vent, overheat or catch fire. Please follow this guidance.

Never put used batteries or vape devices in your household bin

Lithium-ion cells crushed in a refuse truck or landfill can ignite and have caused waste-facility fires across South Africa. They must go to a recognised e-waste collection point.

Safe handling

  • Only charge with the cable and charger supplied with your device, or a reputable equivalent rated for the cell.
  • Do not leave a charging device unattended overnight or on flammable surfaces (beds, couches).
  • Stop using any device that has been dropped, dented, exposed to water, or that becomes unusually hot.
  • Never carry loose 18650 / 21700 cells in a pocket or bag with coins or keys — short-circuits cause thermal runaway. Use a plastic battery case.
  • Do not expose batteries to direct sunlight, parked-car heat, or temperatures above 45 °C.

Storage

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
  • Keep spare cells in their original packaging or a dedicated insulated case.
  • Do not store damaged or swollen cells indoors — move them to a non-flammable container outside until you can dispose of them.

Signs a battery should be retired immediately

  • Visible swelling, bulging or deformation of the cell or device.
  • Torn, nicked or peeling wrap on an 18650 / 21700 cell.
  • Leaking fluid, a chemical smell, or rust on the contacts.
  • The device gets hot at rest or during normal charging.
  • Rapidly decreasing battery life or refusing to hold a charge.

If a battery is venting or on fire

Do not pick it up with bare hands. Move flammable material away if safe to do so, and use a Class D or standard ABC dry-powder extinguisher, or large amounts of water to cool the cell. Evacuate and call 10177 (emergency services). Ventilate the area — lithium vapour is toxic.

Disposal in South Africa

Lithium-ion batteries and end-of-life vape devices are classified as hazardous e-waste under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008 and may not be disposed of in general municipal waste.

  • Tape over the contacts of loose cells with non-conductive tape (insulating / electrical tape) before transport.
  • Place each cell or device in a separate plastic bag.
  • Drop them off at a registered e-waste collection point. National operators include eWASA, Desco Electronic Recyclers and Reclam, plus most municipal hazardous-waste drop-off sites. Many Pick n Pay, Makro and Builders Warehouse stores host battery collection bins.
  • Larger retailers and our own warehouse accept returns of damaged batteries originally purchased from ASDFSA — email [SUPPORT EMAIL — TO BE PROVIDED] to arrange.

Our take-back programme

ASDFSA will accept used disposable vapes and end-of-life batteries originally purchased through us, at no charge, for routing to a licensed recycler. Contact us at [SUPPORT EMAIL — TO BE PROVIDED] for the nearest drop-off or to arrange a collection on your next wholesale delivery.

Transport

Lithium-ion cells above 100 Wh and damaged cells of any size are subject to dangerous-goods rules for road and air freight. Ship them only via couriers licensed for UN3480 / UN3481 dangerous goods. Do not post damaged cells through the post office.

Further reading