As lithium-powered devices become increasingly common, understanding how to safely use, store and recycle batteries is more important than ever, writers Neil Oliver, Senior Technical Marketing Manager at Ultralife Corporation.
Lithium batteries are found in almost everything, from industrial equipment and power tools to smartphones, wireless headphones, e-bikes and electric vehicles. Their high energy density, long service life and reliability have made them the preferred power source for countless applications. However, the same characteristics that make lithium batteries so effective also mean they require careful management, particularly at the end of their useable life.
Why damaged lithium batteries become dangerous
Under normal operating conditions, lithium batteries are designed to safely store and release energy. However, if a battery is physically damaged, the internal separation between its positive and negative electrodes can fail. This can create an internal short circuit, causing the battery to generate heat faster than it can dissipate it.
In some cases, this can trigger thermal runaway, a self-sustaining reaction that produces intense heat and can result in fire. Once thermal runaway begins, it can be difficult to control and may ignite nearby combustible materials.
The risk is particularly relevant when batteries are disposed of incorrectly. Batteries placed in general waste or mixed recycling can be crushed by compactors in collection vehicles or damaged by machinery at waste sorting facilities before operators even realise they are present. Disposable vapes are a particular concern because many consumers are unaware that they contain rechargeable lithium batteries, meaning they are frequently discarded in general waste and exposed to these same hazards.
Proper disposal reduces risk
The safest option is to take used batteries and battery-powered devices to dedicated collection points, where they can be handled separately from household waste. These include local authority recycling centres and retailer take-back schemes, helping ensure batteries are handled and recycled safely.
Unlike general waste streams, battery recycling systems are designed to minimise the risk of physical damage during collection, transport and processing, before batteries are sent to specialist facilities where valuable materials can be recovered safely and responsibly.
Many everyday products contain lithium batteries that are not easily removed or detectable. As a general rule, if a product can be recharged using a USB cable or power adapter, it is likely to contain a lithium-ion battery. Items such as disposable vapes, wireless headphones, rechargeable toys and power banks should be recycled through an appropriate electronic waste collection scheme rather than placed in household recycling bins unless local guidance specifically permits it.
Recognising the warning signs
Battery safety extends beyond disposal. During everyday use, consumers should remain alert to signs that a battery may have become damaged or unstable. Swelling, bulging, cracks in the casing, excessive heat generation, leakage, unusual odours, or hissing and popping sounds can all indicate a developing fault. Any battery or battery-powered device showing these signs should no longer be used and should be disposed of through an appropriate recycling route. Damaged batteries should never be charged or stored alongside other batteries or combustible materials.
If a battery begins smoking, venting gas, sparking or emitting a strong chemical odour, this may indicate a more serious failure. In these circumstances, people should move away from the area if it is safe to do so and seek emergency assistance where there is a risk of fire.
Non-rechargeable batteries should never be recharged. If a charging attempt has been made, the battery should be considered potentially unsafe, not used again and disposed of through an appropriate recycling scheme.
Quality matters
While it can be difficult for consumers to assess battery quality directly, products sold at unusually low prices by unknown or unverified manufacturers may indicate compromises in design, manufacturing or quality control.
Reputable manufacturers typically incorporate multiple protective features into battery systems, including safeguards against overcharging, short circuits and excessive temperatures. These measures significantly reduce risk under normal operating conditions, although no battery can eliminate the dangers associated with severe physical damage or misuse.
Safe storage before recycling
Storage conditions play an important role in battery safety. Batteries should be kept in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, radiators and other sources of heat. Exposure to elevated temperatures can accelerate battery degradation and increase the likelihood of failure.
Care should also be taken to prevent battery terminals from coming into contact with metal objects or other conductive materials that could create a short circuit. For loose lithium batteries, covering exposed terminals with non-conductive tape before transport or recycling can help reduce this risk. Additional precautions include storing batteries in non-metallic containers and keeping them away from combustible materials.
A shared responsibility
As the use of lithium-powered products continues to grow, so too does the importance of responsible battery management. Manufacturers are investing heavily in safer battery designs, but technology alone cannot eliminate every risk.
For more information, please visit www.ultralifecorporation.com.
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