Skip to main content

<p>Though there are many positives to lithium batteries, one of the few negatives is that they need to be treated with particular care as a number of external and internal conditions can cause these batteries to short, start a fire or even explode. Lithium batteries are made to deliver high output with minimal weight. Their components are designed to be lightweight, which translates to thin partitions between cells and a thin outer covering. If the fragile covering or one of the partitions is punctured or broken, a short can occur. The resulting spark can ignite the highly reactive lithium.</p>
<p>Another danger is overheating of the battery. If heated to the point of "thermal runaway", the contents of the battery can exert sufficient pressure to produce an explosion, releasing heat. Overheating can occur when the battery terminals come in contact with metal or with other battery terminals, conducting electricity that drains the battery quickly and creates excessive heat.</p>
<p>Unlike consumer alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D), different sized lithium button batteries cannot be stored together because they can react with one another. Larger button batteries can overload smaller ones and cause them to bulge and burst. Once burst they release heat and if enough batteries are stored together, a fire can result.</p>
<p>SAFETY PRECAUTIONS</p>
<p>For maximum safety, please take the following precautions when handling and storing lithium batteries or devices containing lithium batteries:</p>
<ul>
<li>Whether storing unused ones, or collecting them to be recycled, lithium-ion batteries must be in their original packaging, placed in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic wrap to avoid contact between the battery terminals and metal or other battery terminals. Never store batteries in a metal container.</li>
<li>Keep away from heat producing sources. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Do not leave them in a hot vehicle.</li>
<li>Don't cover or enclose lithium battery containing devices; they need to be well ventilated to avoid heat build-up. Extreme heat may also result in a loss of performance and a shortened life expectancy.</li>
<li>Avoid water and condensation. Internal condensation or moisture can cause the battery to short circuit.</li>
<li>Avoid physical abuse that can damage batteries. Excessive force should not be used to insert or remove batteries from a device. Be careful not to drop, strike, crush or stack heavy objects on top of lithium batteries or lithium battery containing devices.</li>
<li>For accidental swallowing of a button lithium battery, do not induce vomiting. Go immediately to the emergency room and provide the doctor with the identification number from the battery's package if possible.</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<ul></ul>
<p>DISPOSING OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES</p>
<p>Though lithium-ion batteries are less toxic than many types of batteries, they still need to be recycled... BUT not in your regular blue recycling bin! Lithium is a highly reactive element. It is especially risky when lithium-ion batteries end up in the back of a recycling truck surrounded by paper and cardboard. Pressure or heat, especially during the summer, can cause them to spark. In fact, lithium-ion batteries are one of the most common fire starters in recycling trucks! To avoid fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, recycle them properly. Home Depot, Lowes, and Best Buy stores nationwide will accept spent lithium-ion batteries.</p>
<p>For information on how to properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries at MCC, please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at x3150 or email smarini2@monroecc.edu.</p>

Repost Message
will copy the article into draft mode and enable you to edit/change dates and information.
Do not change the dates
of this posting because it will affect the original.

MCC Daily Tribune

Safe Handling, Storage & Disposal of Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (also referred to as Li-ion battery or LIB) come in all shapes and sizes and are found everywhere--in laptop computers, cameras, cell phones, rechargeable tools, and electric cars. The tiny flat button type are in everything from remote controls to toys and decorations. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable batteries because they provide more energy and hold their charge much better than older types.

Though there are many positives to lithium batteries, one of the few negatives is that they need to be treated with particular care as a number of external and internal conditions can cause these batteries to short, start a fire or even explode. Lithium batteries are made to deliver high output with minimal weight. Their components are designed to be lightweight, which translates to thin partitions between cells and a thin outer covering. If the fragile covering or one of the partitions is punctured or broken, a short can occur. The resulting spark can ignite the highly reactive lithium.

Another danger is overheating of the battery. If heated to the point of "thermal runaway", the contents of the battery can exert sufficient pressure to produce an explosion, releasing heat. Overheating can occur when the battery terminals come in contact with metal or with other battery terminals, conducting electricity that drains the battery quickly and creates excessive heat.

Unlike consumer alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D), different sized lithium button batteries cannot be stored together because they can react with one another. Larger button batteries can overload smaller ones and cause them to bulge and burst. Once burst they release heat and if enough batteries are stored together, a fire can result.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

For maximum safety, please take the following precautions when handling and storing lithium batteries or devices containing lithium batteries:

  • Whether storing unused ones, or collecting them to be recycled, lithium-ion batteries must be in their original packaging, placed in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic wrap to avoid contact between the battery terminals and metal or other battery terminals. Never store batteries in a metal container.
  • Keep away from heat producing sources. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Do not leave them in a hot vehicle.
  • Don't cover or enclose lithium battery containing devices; they need to be well ventilated to avoid heat build-up. Extreme heat may also result in a loss of performance and a shortened life expectancy.
  • Avoid water and condensation. Internal condensation or moisture can cause the battery to short circuit.
  • Avoid physical abuse that can damage batteries. Excessive force should not be used to insert or remove batteries from a device. Be careful not to drop, strike, crush or stack heavy objects on top of lithium batteries or lithium battery containing devices.
  • For accidental swallowing of a button lithium battery, do not induce vomiting. Go immediately to the emergency room and provide the doctor with the identification number from the battery's package if possible.

      DISPOSING OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

      Though lithium-ion batteries are less toxic than many types of batteries, they still need to be recycled... BUT not in your regular blue recycling bin! Lithium is a highly reactive element. It is especially risky when lithium-ion batteries end up in the back of a recycling truck surrounded by paper and cardboard. Pressure or heat, especially during the summer, can cause them to spark. In fact, lithium-ion batteries are one of the most common fire starters in recycling trucks! To avoid fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, recycle them properly. Home Depot, Lowes, and Best Buy stores nationwide will accept spent lithium-ion batteries.

      For information on how to properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries at MCC, please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at x3150 or email smarini2@monroecc.edu.

      Sharon Marini
      Environmental Health & Safety
      02/11/2019