Lithium-ion batteries are used in many everyday products, including smartphones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters and other rechargeable devices.
When batteries are damaged, faulty, incorrectly charged or misused, they can overheat and undergo a dangerous process known as thermal runaway. This can cause a rapidly developing fire, intense flames and toxic gases and, in some circumstances, an explosion. Lithium-ion battery fires can also reignite after appearing to have gone out.
Safe Charging Checklist
- Use the correct charger: Use the charger supplied with your device or one recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not charge unattended: Do not leave batteries or devices charging while you are asleep or away from home.
- Charge in a safe location: Keep batteries and chargers away from beds, sofas, carpets and other combustible materials. Do not cover chargers or battery packs while charging.
- Keep escape routes clear: Never charge e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways, stairways or other areas where they could block your escape.
- Avoid excessive heat: Do not charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or in hot locations.
- Use suitable electrical equipment: Do not overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads.
- Unplug when charging is complete: Disconnect the device or battery once charging has finished.
Signs of a Damaged or Faulty Battery
Stop using or charging a device immediately if it shows signs of a battery fault, including:
- Swelling or distortion – The battery or device appears swollen, bulging or misshapen.
- Unusual heat – The battery or device becomes unusually hot during charging or use.
- Unusual smells or sounds – A strong or unusual chemical smell, hissing, popping or cracking noises.
- Smoke or visible damage – Smoke, charring, melting, leaking or other visible damage around the battery or device.
- Changes in performance – The battery does not fully charge or takes longer to charge than normal.
How to dispose of batteries safely
Use an appropriate collection point: take unwanted batteries or electrical items to a suitable battery collection point, household recycling centre or other approved recycling facility. Check your local authority’s arrangements.
Protect exposed terminals: where appropriate, tape exposed lithium-battery terminals with electrical or other non-conductive tape before recycling.
Damaged batteries need special care: if a battery is swollen, leaking, severely damaged, smoking or becoming hot, do not place it in household waste or normal recycling. Do not charge or use it. Contact the manufacturer/retailer or your local authority for suitable disposal arrangements.
Never deliberately crush, puncture or damage a lithium-ion battery.
Where You May Find Lithium-Ion Batteries
| Location | Common devices and items |
|---|---|
| Living room & bedroom | Smartphones, tablets, laptops, wireless headphones, e-readers, smartwatches, power banks and wireless game controllers. |
| Garage & shed | Cordless power tools, lawnmowers, strimmers, e-bikes, e-scooters and rechargeable torches. |
| Kitchen & utility areas | Cordless vacuum cleaners, robot vacuum cleaners, electronic kitchen scales and rechargeable appliances. |
| Bathroom & personal care | Electric toothbrushes, cordless hair clippers, electric shavers and facial cleansing brushes. |
| Children’s rooms & playrooms | Rechargeable remote-control cars, drones, electronic toys and handheld gaming devices. |
How to Identify Devices That May Contain Lithium Batteries
Many rechargeable portable electronic devices use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, although other battery technologies are also available.
Rechargeable devices – Devices that charge through a cable, charging dock or charging station may contain a rechargeable battery.
Removable battery packs – Rechargeable packs used in power tools, garden equipment and e-bikes are commonly lithium-based.
Small button or coin cells – Some watches, key fobs, rings, sensors and other small devices use lithium-metal coin or button cells. These require particular care around children because swallowing one can cause serious or potentially life-threatening internal injuries.