#Japan #Tokyo #lithium-ion batteries #Tama Region #Safe Disposal

Safe Disposal of Dangerous Lithium-Ion Batteries in the Tama Area This December

As we approach the year-end clean-up season, residents of the Tama area are increasingly coming across dangerous swollen lithium-ion batteries in their homes, garages, and storage spaces. Common culprits include mobile phone batteries, old laptops, e-bike batteries, and tools, leading to a surge in disposal queries as people are unsure about how to safely get rid of them.

The lithium-ion batteries, if left unused for long periods or exposed to temperature changes, humidity, or physical shocks, can expand, overheat, leak, or even catch fire. The issue becomes prevalent in Tama, where many individuals store these batteries in garages, outdoors, or where they remain hidden within accumulated goods until the end of the year.

The local government often designates lithium-ion batteries as "hard-to-handle waste," preventing residents from placing them in regular trash or disposal centers. Consequently, many potentially dangerous batteries are left unattended, posing risks

The collection service provider, Marutto Honpo (operated by SYSTR Co., Ltd.), is continuing its safe battery recycling program this December, having previously commenced it in October and November. Their efforts aim to ensure a safe living environment and prevent accidents during the hectic year-end clean-up.

Background and Purpose

In recent years, the volume of batteries in homes and businesses across the Tama region has increased due to various factors:

• - The rising popularity of electric bicycles and power tools has led to more batteries being kept at home.
• - Academic institutions and offices utilize laptop batteries and electronic measuring instruments.
• - Many suburban homes have ample long-term storage spaces.
• - The year-end clean-up usually leads to the discovery of forgotten batteries.

Inadvertently disposing of swollen batteries as general waste can result in significant fire accidents during collection or intermediate processing. Marutto Honpo emphasizes compliance with fire safety and legal regulations, ensuring proper processing through specialized facilities for batteries that have expanded or deformed.

Campaign Overview

• - Campaign Name: Flat Rate Campaign for Lithium-Ion Battery Collection (Tama Area)
• - Duration: December 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025
• - Service Area: Entire Tama region in Tokyo
• - Collection Fee: 7,700 yen per item (tax included); 3,300 yen for each additional item
• - Accepted Items: Mobile phone batteries, laptop batteries, power tool batteries, etc.

Note: We also accept batteries that are swollen, deformed, or overheating.

• - Collection service includes: On-site pick-up and safe handling of items.

Available Areas for Collection (Entire Tama Region)

The campaign is available throughout the Tama region, including cities such as Hachioji, Tachikawa, Musashino, Mitaka, Chofu, Fuchu, and Machida, among others.

This service aims to alleviate common concerns:

• - Batteries piling up in garages
• - Discovering swollen batteries during storage cleaning
• - Receiving repeated notifications that collection is not possible from the authorities
• - Safely disposing of old research equipment batteries
• - Organizing hazardous materials before the year's end.

For immediate assistance, the