Improperly disposed battery triggers major fire at sorting facility in Steyr

Smoke as far as Haidershofen

The column of smoke was so massive that it was visible as far as the neighboring town of Haidershofen. Residents reported strong odor nuisance and dark smoke settling over the valley.

Lithium batteries, such as those installed in mobile phones, laptops, or power tools, often react to damage or exposure to heat with what is known as a thermal reaction. In combination with easily flammable material such as paper, plastic, or residual waste, a small defect can develop into a major fire within seconds.

Why batteries in waste are dangerous

Commercial waste sorting facilities are only partially prepared for such risks. The material passing through is mechanically shredded and sorted, during which damaged batteries can easily be compromised and sparks can occur. Experts have therefore been calling for years for the separate collection of batteries and accumulators directly at the points where they arise.

The city of Steyr and the district of Haidershofen are located in the heavily industrialized part of Upper Austria. The region is home to several disposal and recycling facilities that process a significant share of Upper Austria's commercial waste.

Police noted that the investigations are concluded and no further persons need to be questioned. The amount of property damage and the extent of the damage to the facility are still being assessed.

Note on proper disposal

The incident highlights the proper handling of energy storage devices in everyday life. Consumers should not throw spent batteries and accumulators into household waste or the paper bin, but rather return them to collection points at retailers or recycling centers.

Fire departments and the waste management sector in Upper Austria have repeatedly warned in recent years about fires caused by lithium batteries in disposal facilities. According to them, the number of such incidents has increased, in parallel with the growing stock of electrical devices and e-cars in the country.