Damaged Lithium Batteries

Some devices contain lithium ion batteries or battery packs that are intended to be removed by the consumer. Here are steps to take if a removable battery goes bad:

1. Unplug the device, power it down, and carefully release the battery. Do not use any prying or cutting tool that could rupture a swollen battery.
2. Bring the damaged battery to Kane County's Fabyan Parkway Recycling Center, a Kane County Recycling Event​ with battery collection, or to a another site listed by The Battery Network​ for damaged and defective batteries (make sure that only "damaged and defective batteries" is selected on the locator tool when searching​)
   

3. Storage of damaged batteries at home is generally not recommended, but for shor​t-term storage in preparation for disposal, damaged lithium batteries can be buried in sand or clay kitty litter inside​ a sturdy ​bucket or can, and kept away from sunlight and all heat sources.

Do not place any loose damaged lithium batteries into regular trash or recycling. Lithium batteries cause fires in waste collection vehicles and facilities.

• ​When buying battery containing devices and replacement batteries, look for reputable brands that have received third-party quality control and safety certifications such as UL certification​.
• Always read and follow device owner's manual instructions about charging, battery installation and storage.
• Avoid charging lithium batteries, especially the powerful batteries in e-mobility devices (ebikes, scooters, hoverboards, etc.) and lawnmowers, either when no one is home or when everyone is sleeping.
• Buy replacement chargers and batteries from the original device manufacturer.
• Remove batteries and devices from chargers when fully charged. Lithium batteries are designed to be charged and discharged over and over. They are not designed to be held at a constant state of full charge by being left on a charger long-term.
• Keep battery containing devices and extra batteries in temperature-controlled environments. Do not store or leave devices or batteries in vehicles or in direct sunlight at home.
• If planning to store a battery or battery containing device for a while, it is best for the battery to be at low charge (~30% charge). Store it in a cool, dry place.
• Keep track of any batteries and battery containing devices that are being stored in the home. Visually inspect for battery damage at least once per year and take items that are not likely to be used again for donation or recycling.
  

​Normal charging and use of lithium batteries involves the movement of lithium ions through liquid electrolyte. Over time, the electrolyte can degrade, producing gases which cause the battery to swell. Certain conditions can start or accelerate​ gas formation in batteries. These include exposure to excessive heat, defects in manufacturing, physical damage to the battery, and long-term storage of the battery at a state of full charge or complete discharge.

What is thermal runaway?

​Thermal runaway occurs when a lithium battery begins uncontrolled chemical reactions that generate an excessive amount of heat. Once enough heat is generated, the battery cell is likely to spark, ignite, or explode, venting flammable gases. The heat generated by the original runaway cell is likely to trigger runaway in adjacent​ cells until the entire battery or battery pack is effected.  See this shor​t video for more info.

What causes thermal runaway? ​

One cause of thermal runaway is an internal short circuit in the battery. This can be the result of poor design/manufacture, but can also occur if a battery is physically damaged. Physical damage can easily become the cause of fires that occur when lithium batteries or battery containing devices are improperly put in curbside trash or recycling. Trash and recycling collection trucks typically have powerful compactors. Materials are handled at transfer stations and sorting facilities by heavy loading equipment. Finished recycling is compressed into bales. Lithium batteries can be damaged at any one of these stages of waste handling, starting thermal runaway leading to fire. This video shows security camera footage of a battery-sparked fire at a recycling facility. Thankfully, quick action by facility employees kept the fire under control.

Overcharging of a battery, which can be the result of poor battery or charger design​ or use of a charger that is not fully compatible with the battery being charged, can also cause thermal runaway. Repeated instances of over-draining the battery (i.e., using it until it's completely dead and then recharging) can also be a trigger. See this short video for more info on causes of thermal runaway.