Are you planning to treat (yourself) to a new iPhone 17 Pro Max for Christmas? Great. But what to do with your old phone? Generally, it is tempting to put in a drawerjust in case your new acquisition breaks down prematurely. Except it’s a really bad idea.
Beware of explosive batteries
There’s a good chance that an old smartphone (or even several) has been sitting in a drawer for years. Dangerous error. Lithium-ion batteries in these forgotten devices tend to swell over timeto gradually transform into real time bombs.
This phenomenon depends on a simple reaction: the decomposition of the liquid electrolyte located in the battery gradually transforms into gas, causing a build-up of internal pressure. Over time, and even if it is completely discharged, a forgotten battery will mutate into chemical cocktail ready to explode. Believe me, it’s quite impressive to watch.
What to do if your battery has swollen?
Do not attempt to turn on, charge or open a smartphone with a swollen battery. A damaged lithium-ion battery can suddenly rupture, releasing flammable materials that will catch fire instantly as soon as they come into contact with ambient air. Added to this is also the chemical risk: the electrolyte which escapes is corrosive and generates harmful gases, which may cause difficulty breathing and dizziness. Finally, we must take into account the environmental aspect. The heavy metals contained in these batteries are almost impossible to degrade naturally, and risk contaminating soil and groundwater.
Faced with a swollen device, two solutions: repair or recycle. If the device still appears functional, an authorized repairer can replace the battery. If the device is too old or too damaged, head to specialized collection points. Major high-tech brands like Darty, Fnac, Boulanger have a legal obligation to take back electronic waste. For those who do not want to travel, specialized sites and platforms also exist.
The real solution: act upstream
Waiting for your battery to swell is not the only end of life for your old smartphone. Rather than leaving mold an old working phone in a drawer, the smartest thing is to resell it (handy for making some money), or to give it away. Remember that a reconditioned phone will reduce its annual environmental impact by 77 to 91% compared to a new purchase, in particular thanks to the elimination of manufacturing, machining and transport costs.
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