The danger lies in the residual waste: in waste processing installations, the incineration of batteries and rechargeable batteries is becoming a multimillion-dollar challenge.
Almost every day there are bangs in the Styrian waste processing plants. “Six to seven small fires a week are not uncommon in large factories,” confirms Daniela Müller-Mezin, president of the ATES association for waste management and resource management, the “Krone”.
As a rule, the automated sprinkler systems quickly extinguish small fires, but large fires keep reappearing – most recently in June in Liezen. In the past year and a half, two Styrian companies have suffered millions of dollars in damage. The reason for this is usually the incorrect disposal of waste.
problem is increasing
Recently, especially batteries and built-in rechargeable batteries have caused awkward situations and resentment: “Over the past three or four years, this has increased enormously. It now takes on proportions that you should be afraid of when you get material,” explains Müller- mezin.
The figures support their concerns: a state analysis shows that in Styria “40 tons of lithium batteries are wrongly thrown away in the residual waste every year”.
Up to 650 fires per year in Austria
A study published last year by Montanuniversität Leoben showed that there is a link between the increasing number of lithium batteries in residual waste and fires at waste processing companies. A university forecast estimates that up to 650 fires per year could break out across Austria by 2024.
“Hidden” batteries in everyday objects
The problem is not the traditional batteries, which the inhabitants of Styria usually dutifully collect, but especially the built-in rechargeable batteries, which can be found in more and more everyday objects.
Politicians launch information campaigns almost every year to increase the current recycling rate from less than 50 percent. A deposit system for batteries and rechargeable batteries is envisaged at EU level.
Hope lies in sensors
Waste management hopes for a solution, especially in the technological field: a pilot project is currently underway in which potential arsonists are identified with sensors while the waste is pre-sorted on the conveyor belt. “We hope that with this we can eliminate the risk of large fires,” says Müller-Mezin.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
