Many modern electronic devices are powered by batteries these days. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and power banks all contain batteries. In fact, some people have multiple power banks as emergency power sources for the many devices they use.
So, what happens when we can no longer use them for whatever reason? You can't just dump them in the general trash, that's for sure. Proper disposal methods and channels are required because batteries are not biodegradable and power banks can explode or catch fire if not handled properly. In Malaysia, here are a few power bank disposal options you can consider.
ERTH
If you're looking for a reliable and high-quality recycling service, then ERTH could be the option for you. Standing for Electronic Recycling Through Heroes, ERTH is a collection centre recognised by the Department of Environment (or Jabatan Alam Sekitar) for e-waste disposal. It cooperates with local, government-licensed recycling centres to recycle a variety of electronics.
According to the website, ERTH offers several benefits to those looking to recycle. First, ERTH provides free pickup of selected devices you want to recycle. This service applies only to smaller items, like smartphones or power banks. Also, it's only free if you recycle at least three small items.
More interestingly, ERTH will offer a cash reward for recycling. You could even pack your e-waste in an ERTH collection box and receive rewards starting from RM500. ERTH will pay you instantly via Duit Now (or via cheque for larger amounts), so it's fast and convenient.
IPC Recycling and Buy Back Centre
Another place you can recycle power banks or batteries is the IPC Recycling and Buy Back Centre (RBBC). While it doesn't offer rewards like ERTH, the IPC RBBC does accept e-waste for recycling. IPC RBBC's advantage is its convenience. If you live in Selangor, especially within the Damansara area, then IPC is just a short drive away.
According to its Terms and Conditions page, IPC RBBC accepts certain small-sized electrical and electronic appliances. The list mentions handphones, laptops and tablets, so it's probably safe to say the company accepts small devices featuring lithium-ion batteries. As you are aware, most power banks contain Lithium-Ion batteries.
Karun Hijau Recycling
The next one to consider is Karun Hijau Recycling, an e-waste recycling service located in Bangsar. Its Pay2Pick service allows Malaysians to pay the company to help deal with recyclable items. The company's website confirms that it can help you "dispose, move, clear and clean" recyclables of "all sizes", so you can not only recycle your power banks but also larger devices like desktops.
Mind you, the power bank is not specifically listed on Karun Hijau Recycling's website. However, it does show that they accept "household appliances, computer parts, and miscellaneous e-waste" for reuse, repurposing, and recycling. Power banks fall under the third category, but do contact ERTH using the contact info on the website if you want to be sure.
UrbanR Recycle+
Some of the services above can help even large corporations with their green initiatives. However, households and individuals can also consider UrbanR Recycle+. Those who have plenty of standard and e-waste just have to take a photo of the items or boxes they plan to dispose of. The company can then send personnel to do a pickup.
The advantage of this service is that its range of accepted items includes laptops, desktop PCs, batteries, power banks, novels, CDs, and more. This makes UrbanR Recycle+ great for those looking to move, as the company could help you dispose of various items you don't want to take to your new place (speaking from experience!) Depending on the item and its condition, UrbanR Recycle+ could choose to refurbish it, repurpose its parts, or just recycle it.
Senheng e-Waste Recycling Program
Recycling old goods isn't anything new, and Senheng has probably been in this business longer than most would know. The company has been running an e-waste recycling program since 2013, allowing Malaysians to bring their old or unwanted electronics to a Senheng or SenQ outlet for recycling. You could also arrange for the company to pick up your bulky items.
Senheng even rewards your recycling efforts with cash vouchers. The company's website doesn't have a detailed list of what it accepts. However, sources confirm Senheng will take mobile phones, tablets, CD players, and more. Since these items do contain batteries, it's safe to assume Senheng can help you recycle them.
Other options
Besides the options above, there are many places where you can drop your unwanted batteries (or other items) for recycling. But like IPC RBBC, you'll have to personally haul the items to the recycling centre. Some locations in Klang Valley include One Utama Shopping Mall, IKEA Damansara, MBSA (Shah Alam City Council), Eco-shop, Minimize Zero Waste Store, and more.
You're obviously not going to become an e-waste millionaire but at least you've done the right thing, and your power banks won't accidentally explode while they're collecting dust at your home
The Malaysian government also offers official "Pusat Kitar Semula" or "Pusat Kitar Semula Komuniti" centers to help recycle your waste and e-waste. While Power banks are not mentioned specifically, they do handle laptops so we assume that they would accept it. Some of these recyclables can also get you some Touch n' Go credit as well, but it depends on the center and like the above, you also have to bring your recyclables to the center yourself.
Closing comments
"Why recycle?" you may ask. Well, that's because unused batteries could eventually become safety hazards. We covered a bit of that in a previous article about why power bank use on planes are restricted. There are also some safety tips in this article about how to buy the right power bank and some power banks to get if you're looking for any.
The general sentiment here is: Don't hoard unused items, recycle them! You may have an old phone, TV, monitor, power bank, and other items you no longer use at home. Properly recycling these items is a good move if you're moving out or looking to clear out some space in your home. Best of all, some of the options above even pay you for these items.
So, do you think you might have a power bank or powerbanks laying about gathering dust? Best to go recycle it properly before something bad happens. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned to TechNave for more articles like this.
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