EnerC Lithium recycling

Why Lithium Battery Recycling Matters in South Africa

The South African Reality

South Africa generates over 2 million tonnes of electronic waste per year, making it one of the largest e-waste producers on the African continent. Only a small percentage of this waste is formally recycled, with batteries being one of the most challenging components to manage safely.

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in everyday devices — from torches and tools to medical equipment and household electronics — yet safe disposal infrastructure is still developing.

Why Lithium Batteries Cannot Go to Landfill

Unlike alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries:

  • Contain flammable electrolytes

  • Can ignite or explode when damaged or compacted

  • Are a known cause of landfill and waste-truck fires

  • Do not break down safely in the environment

In South Africa, where many landfills already operate under pressure, battery-related fires pose a real operational and environmental risk.

Resource Recovery Matters

Lithium-ion batteries contain valuable and finite materials, including:

  • Lithium

  • Copper

  • Aluminium

  • Nickel and cobalt (depending on chemistry)

Recycling helps:

  • Reduce the need for new raw-material extraction

  • Lower environmental impact over the battery lifecycle

  • Support the development of a local circular economy

As South Africa moves toward greater electrification and energy storage, responsible handling of battery waste becomes increasingly important.

The Compliance & Audit Angle

For technicians, healthcare providers, laboratories, and industrial users, battery disposal is not just an environmental issue — it’s a compliance requirement.

Audits often require:

  • Clear disposal pathways

  • Use of recognised recycling programmes

  • Proof that hazardous components are not sent to landfill

Having access to a recognised retail drop-off network, such as Makro battery collection bins, provides a practical and defensible solution.

How EnerC Fits Into the Bigger Picture

EnerC reduces environmental impact in two key ways:

  1. Reduction at source
    One EnerC rechargeable battery can replace up to 1,200 disposable batteries, dramatically reducing waste before recycling is even needed.

  2. Responsible end-of-life guidance
    By directing customers to established battery collection points, EnerC supports safer handling once batteries reach end-of-life.

This approach aligns with South Africa’s growing focus on:

  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

  • Waste reduction at source

  • Safer handling of hazardous consumer waste

Where to Recycle EnerC Batteries

EnerC customers can recycle used batteries via Desco Electronic Recyclers through their Makro Battery Bin Locator:

👉 https://desco.co.za/makro/