Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage Search Site

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Powering Safety: Understanding the Risks and Responding to Battery Fires

ION_Battery.png

Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to e-scooters, e-bikes, power tools, and toys. However, if mishandled, damaged, or improperly used, these batteries pose a serious risk—they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.

Understanding these risks is crucial for protecting yourself and those around you. Lithium-ion battery fires can spread rapidly, emit toxic fumes, and be difficult to extinguish with traditional methods. Knowing how to safely handle, charge, and store these batteries—as well as what to do in the event of a fire—can help prevent dangerous situations and ensure a quick, effective response if an emergency arises.

This webpage offers tips to keep you and your loved ones safe when storing, charging, and using devices with lithium-ion batteries.

Oregon Battery Recycling Locations

Find Your Local Battery Recycling Spot




How to Recycle Used Batteries

Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling

To prepare for recycling, you can:

  • Separate batteries: Put each battery in its own clear plastic bag.
  • Tape terminals: Cover the battery’s terminals with non-conductive tape, like electrical tape.
  • Store in a cool, dry place: Keep batteries away from heat and moisture.
  • Handle with care: Swollen or damaged batteries can be a fire risk, so handle them with care.
  • Take to a recycling center: Bring batteries to a certified electronics recycler, participating retailer, or local collection program.


Additional Tips

  • If a battery is damaged, contact the manufacturer for specific handling instructions
  • Keep battery labels visible
  • Store batteries in a non-metal container
  • Place swollen or damaged batteries in sand or kitty litter
  • Do not put rechargeable batteries in the trash or municipal recycling bins

You can use resources like: 

  • Earth 911: A database that can help you find a recycling location 
  • Call2Recycle: An organization that collects batteries and sends them to recycling facilities 

Lithium-ion batteries SHOULD be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points . To prevent fires, tape battery terminals and/or place lithium-ion batteries in separate plastic bags.

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips

Device

  • Purchase and use devices listed by a qualified testing laboratory, such as UL.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Attempt to use the device until the battery is fully depleted.
  • Educate household members about risks and proper use of lithium-ion batteries.

Device

Battery Maintenance

  • Only use the manufacturer's charger while device rests on a firm, flat surface.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature and away from sources of heat.
  • Avoid overcharging or leaving devices plugged in overnight.

Battery Maintenance

Signs of a Problem

  • Stop using the battery if you notice odor, color change, excessive heat, shape change, leaking, or odd noises.
  • If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire.
  • Call 9-1-1.

Signs of a Problem

Battery Disposal

  • Lithium-ion batteries, and the devices that contain them, should not go in household garbage or recycling bins.
  • Recycling is always the best option.

Battery Disposal


If you are a member of the Oregon fire service and would like to order educational resources, please click here.