Lithium Battery Safety

Lithium and Lithium-ion batteries can be found in rechargeable tools, cell phones, electronic devices, laptops, vapes and more.

To keep your family and home safe, it is important to know proper disposal of Lithium batteries. These batteries can swell, catch fire, and even explode. Lithium batteries are at a greater risk for fires than alkaline batteries. Swollen or defective Lithium batteries are at an increased fire risk.

Usage

  • Replace the battery if it becomes damaged.battery fire
  • Keep batteries out of high temperature areas.
  • Do not overcharge batteries, including cell phones and laptops. Once it has reached maximum charge, unplug the device from the charger.

Storage

  • Store in cool, dry places.
  • Do not let your battery overcharge.
  • Avoid storing multiple Lithium batteries together.

Disposal

  • Tape each end with scotch tape and drop them off at Tox-Tuesdays between 9am-2pm.
  • Do not dispose of any batteries in the trash. This can cause fires during transportation in garbage trucks, which is a community risk.

What to do if your battery is swollen or hot to the touch: 

  • Keep in a safe storage area away from other flammables until Tox-Tuesday.
  • Bring swollen batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste facility, located at 2260 Carroll Road.
  • Hot and swollen Lithium batteries are an increased risk and fire hazard.

What to do if your battery is on fire:

  • Call 911
  • Get the battery outdoors.