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Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips

Lithium-ion batteries are reactive and hold more charge than traditional batteries. They can easily spark and cause a fire, particularly when damaged or improperly charged. If the battery casing breaks, and the contents are exposed to air, the battery can ignite and burn at a very high temperature. Battery safety precautions are more important than ever for protecting homeowners and businesses, as well as the recycling and disposal infrastructure.

Check out our battery safety videos and tips below to keep yourself, your home, business, sanitation workers, recycling centers, and landfills safe. 
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Before you buy

  • See if there is a recall for the product you are considering purchasing, by searching the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Website.
  • Look for a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) stamp on the packaging and product.  The stamp identifies the product was tested and certified by a laboratory recognized by the U. S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Visit OSHA's website for examples of NRTL stamps.
  • Find a recycling option for the equipment before you purchase.  Check with your favorite retailers and manufacturers to see if they offer free recycling to customers.  Some known to offer options include Lowes, Batteries Plus, Staples, and Best Buy.
Lithium Ion Batteries stacked

Safety during charging

  • Only use the charging equipment (e.g., chargers, batteries, power cords, and/or power adapters) provided by or recommended by the manufacturer for the device, and make sure it has the NRTL stamp.
  • Only replace charging equipment with manufacturer approved equipment that has an NRTL stamp.
  • Do not charge a battery or device on a pillow, bed, or couch.
  • Do not overload outlets by using multiplug adapters or power strips – instead plug directly into an outlet.
  • Store batteries and devices at manufacturer recommended temperatures, away from heat sources and flammable materials.
  • Do not overcharge e-bikes or e-scooters and do not charge them overnight or unattended.
  • If e-bikes or e-scooters must be stored indoors, keep them away from doors or windows that can serve as exits.
e-Bike Charging

End of life battery handling

  • Regularly recycle your electronic devices and lithium-ion batteries.
  • Do not place lithium-ion batteries or electronic equipment containing lithium-ion batteries in the trash or in recycle bins - they can ignite in the truck, at the recycling center, or the landfill, and harm workers, vehicles, and infrastructure.
  • Locate a collection site in your community.  Households are encouraged to use the retail collection option identified at the time of purchase or see the EGLE Web page at Michigan.gov/EGLEHHW to find a county or municipally collection.  Businesses are encouraged to see the list of vendors that assist with hazardous waste collection.  Other search options include looking at the list of registered e-waste manufacturers and e-waste recyclers at Michigan.gov/EGLEEwaste, searching the Recycled Materials Market Directory at Michigan.gov/RMMD, or the Michigan Recycling Directory at Michigan.gov/RecyclingDirectory.
  • Place tape over battery ends and terminals to help prevent sparking and potential fires, assisting with safe end of life storage and transport.  See our short battery taping videos on YouTube, also accessible at Michigan.gov/EGLEHHW and Michigan.gov/EGLERecycling for help with taping the terminals.
  • Keep batteries in their original device when possible, until it is recycled, and be prepared to recycle the battery separately if the collection only accepts the electronic device.
  • If a battery overheats, shows a change in shape or color, or exhibits an odor or odd noises, discontinue use and recycle it after placing it in a fireproof container – consider submerging it in cat litter or soil in a plastic bucket, and store it outside, if necessary. 
  • There are commercial container kits available for businesses to purchase and have on hand for use in managing damaged, defective, and recalled (DDR) batteries that are highly recommended.  
Damaged or defective lithium-ion battery.

Contact us

Steve Noble, NobleS4@Michigan.gov, 517-449-6153