Lithium-Ion Battery Safety; A Hot Topic

 
Print

??‹Dangerous and Safe Batteries.png

Do you know which batteries are dangerous and which are safe?

Did you know that dead batteries can cause damage if stored, disposed, or transported improperly?

Don't Ignite Recycle Right.PNG

We can all play a role in reducing the potential risks to people, property, and the environment.

Recently numerous fires have occurred due to lithium-ion batteries. Some of these fires took place at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), Full-Service Drop-Off Centers and while in transport from one location to another in the recycling truck.

          

Lithium-ion batteries are used in many products such as:

Types of Lithium Batteries.PNG

 

 

  • Electronics (cell phones, tablets, iPads, etc.)
  • Toys
  • Wireless headphones
  • Handheld power tools
  • Small and large appliances
  • Electric vehicles
  • Clocks
  • Digital Cameras
  • Pacemakers
  • Watches
  • Thermometers
  • Laser Pointers
  • MP3 players
  • Calculators; and
  • Electrical energy storage systems

Lithium-Ion batteries are highly flammable when punctured or exposed to foreign metals. They contain volatile chemicals which can react with other materials and pose a serious fire hazard. Lastly, if the devices and/or lithium-ion batteries are not disposed properly at the end of their useful life, they can cause harm to human health or to the environment.

Keep you, your home, family, and Mecklenburg County batteries safe! Dispose properly! 

Here are some important tips to remember about lithium-ion batteries:

  1. Never place lithium-ion batteries in your household trash or recycling containers. Mecklenburg County will accept batteries at the Full-Service Drop-Off Centers free of charge.
  2. Learn how to be battery safety smart using this  Battery I.D. Guide. (para Español)
  3. Explore the Secret Life of Batteries
  4. Avoid the Spark
 
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I recycle my used batteries?

Lithium-ion can and should be recycled. If lithium-ion batteries are thrown into the garbage, they can cause a spark that could endanger individuals and surrounding property. Certain types of batteries, such as Nickel Cadmium rechargeable, can contaminate the environment if not properly disposed. Batteries are valuable and recycling them can reduce the need to mine for virgin materials along with transforming reclaimable materials into other useable products. Consumer awareness is key to changing behavior and ensuring more batteries are recycled the right way and don’t end up in landfills.

Why do batteries need to be terminally protected?

Which types of batteries do I need to protect?

How do I find a drop-off location near me?

 

Links/Brochures/Downloadable Materials

Avoid the Spark Flyer              Battery Safety Tips

Secret-Life-of-Batteries-US             Rechargeable Batteries, A Hot Topic

Battery I.D. Guide (English)            Battery I.D. Guide (Spanish)

Battery Safety Tips.PNG

 

Rechargeable Batteries, A “Hot Topic”!!

 

                      Remember: Recycle Right, Don't Ignite!