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EGLE issues safety tips on lithium-ion batteries, webinar scheduled for June 10
May 15, 2025
As part of Electrical Safety Month, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has some new resources to help everyone with battery safety:
- A new a set of lithium-ion battery safety tips - covering things to consider before purchase, during charging, and at end-of-life.
- Several short video clips demonstrating how homeowners should prepare different types of batteries for safe transport to a recycling location.
- Scheduled a battery safety webinar of interest to everyone - homeowners, businesses, municipalities, waste processors, and emergency responders alike.
“Lithium-ion batteries are reactive and hold more charge than traditional batteries,” notes Steve Noble, electronics recycling specialist at EGLE. “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.
“Lithium-ion batteries are ideal for energy storage for rechargeable consumer devices and electric vehicles,” Noble added. “However, as their use continues to increase dramatically, not only does the need for recycling these batteries become more of a necessity for critical materials recovery but also for fire safety, specifically, the safety of waste/recycling workers and our infrastructure.“
Check out the tips and videos, then join EGLE on June 10 to hear all about lithium-ion battery safety risks, challenges, and the need for expanded public awareness from Noble and Michael O'Brian, fire chief of the Brighton Area Fire Authority, so you can protect yourself, others, and your property from the hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.
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