When used properly, batteries aren’t dangerous, but they can present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or damaged.
You should never put batteries into your recycling or waste containers, as they can cause fires in the collection vehicle or at the waste management facility. In addition, batteries need to be collected, transported and recycled separately to make sure the heavy metals they contain (for example, nickel and cadmium) do not leak out and pollute the local environment.
Household batteries, including AA, AAA, ‘button’ and rechargeable batteries, can be recycled at most leading supermarkets and household recycling centres.
Details of local authority recycling facilities can be found on their websites:
Rechargeable batteries
Lithium-ion batteries or li-ion batteries (sometimes called LIBs) are the lightweight, rechargeable batteries that power our phones, laptops and cameras. They’re found in many electrical devices from mobility scooters to e-cigarettes, and are used safely by millions of people every day. For specific advice on e-bikes and e-scooters click here.
Some of the key risks associated with lithium-ion batteries include:
- Thermal runaway: Lithium-ion batteries can experience a phenomenon known as ‘thermal runaway’, where the internal temperature increases rapidly, leading to further heat generation and potential ignition of the electrolyte. This can be triggered by overcharging, physical damage, manufacturing defects, or exposure to high temperatures.
- Incorrect charging: Charging lithium-ion batteries beyond their recommended voltage, or discharging them too deeply, can lead to internal damage, which may increase the likelihood of a fire.
- Physical damage: Dropping, crushing, or puncturing a lithium-ion battery can cause internal short circuits, leading to overheating and potential ignition.
- Manufacturing defects: Poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries may have internal flaws or impurities that can increase the risk of thermal runaway and fire.
- External heat sources: Exposure to high temperatures or nearby heat sources can increase the risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.
- Improper storage or usage: Storing lithium-ion batteries in environments with extreme temperatures or exposing them to conditions they’re not designed for can increase the likelihood of fire.
- Flammable electrolytes: The electrolyte used in lithium-ion batteries is typically flammable, which means that if a fire occurs, it can be difficult to extinguish and may spread rapidly.
To mitigate these risks, manufacturers implement various safety features in lithium-ion batteries, such as built-in protection circuits, thermal cut off switches, and flame-retardant materials. Additionally, proper handling, storage, and usage practices can help reduce the likelihood of fires associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Actions to take if a lithium-ion battery fire occurs
When these batteries are heated this will cause a pressure rise with the risk of bursting and exploding and will start to give off toxic fumes from the initial stages. Lithium batteries are more difficult to extinguish than normal fires, so everyone should evacuate the building and someone must call 999.
Please follow this guidance to keep you and your devices safe, whether you are at work or at home:
- Buy from a reputable retailer – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Always use the charger that came with your phone, tablet, e-cigarette or mobile device. If you need to buy a replacement, always choose a branded, genuine product from a supplier you can trust. There are lots of fakes out there, and it can be difficult to spot the difference.
- Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always charge items away from escape routes (never in a corridor or room that provides the only way out of your building) and disconnect the charger once charging is complete.
- Protect batteries against being damaged – such as being crushed, punctured or immersed in water.
- Don’t leave items continuously on charge after the charge cycle is complete – it’s best not to leave your phone plugged in overnight, for example – and unplug after use.
- Never cover chargers or charging devices, and avoid charging batteries on flammable surfaces like beds or cushions.
- When you travel, check with your flight carrier for information on how best to carry any devices with lithium-ion batteries.
- Don’t overload your sockets.
- Correctly dispose of lithium-ion batteries, it is estimated to cost the UK over £100million a year in waste fires. More than half of all waste fires start because of improper disposal.