Lithium Battery Safety

Lithium Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, including phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. If they are damaged, overheated, overcharged or defective, they can catch fire or explode.

Lithium-ion battery fires give off toxic gases and burn extremely fast and hot, making them difficult to put out. Ensure you have working smoke alarms in your home and a rehearsed fire escape plan so you can get out quickly. Never leave batteries (such as e-bikes or e-scooters) charging near your exits.

Emergency situations

When to call 911

If a lithium-ion battery is on fire, smoking, sparking, hissing, producing flames, making a popping sound or releasing a chemical smell, leave your home or the area immediately and call 911. Do not handle the battery. Move quickly, as these batteries can catch on fire or explode in less than a minute.

When to stop using a battery and dispose of it immediately

If a battery is swollen or bulging, changing colour or shape, damaged or punctured, leaking or unusually hot, replace and recycle the battery safely and immediately.

If the battery is charging, unplug it first if it is safe to do so.

When to stop using a battery and recycle it

If it is no longer holding a useful charge, causing the device to shut down unexpectedly, or beyond the manufacturer’s recommended replacement age, replace and recycle the battery safely.

When it is safe to keep using a battery

If your lithium-ion battery shows no signs of damage or overheating, is not swollen or leaking, holds a charge normally and powers the device as expected, it is safe to keep using it.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging, storage and use.

Safe disposal

Do not put lithium-ion batteries in your blue, black or green carts because they could start a fire.

Dispose if your battery is damaged

Damaged batteries (corroded, swollen, leaking) are only accepted at City of Calgary Eco Centres. When dropping them off, please hand them directly to a staff member and inform them of the battery’s condition so it can be handled safely.

City of Calgary Eco Centres accept batteries and items with built-in batteries.

Recycle your battery if it is not damaged

There are three ways to dispose of household batteries:

  1. Take to a free designated battery drop-off site by finding a location at recycleyourbatteries.ca
    •  No damaged batteries are accepted.
    • Only batteries are accepted (no devices – vapes, e-cigarettes, phones, etc.) If the battery cannot be removed from a device, take it to a City Eco Centre.
    • Some locations accept e-mobility batteries (such as e-bike or e-scooter batteries, removed from the device). Use the locator tool and select “e-mobility batteries” to find locations that do.
  2. Take to a free household hazardous waste drop-off locations (designated fire hall).
    •  No damaged batteries are accepted.
    • Only batteries are accepted (no devices – vapes, e-cigarettes, phones, etc.) If the battery cannot be removed from a device, take it to a City Eco Centre.
  3. Take all batteries for free to a City of Calgary Eco Centres.
    •  Eco Centres accept battery-powered devices (vapes, e-cigarettes, phones, etc.) and damaged and recalled batteries.

If you bring only items accepted under free residential programs (batteries, electronics and household hazardous waste), no fees apply. However, if your drop-off includes other garbage or non-eligible items, charges may apply.

Prepare your lithium-ion battery for disposal

  • Remove the battery from the device if possible.
  • Tape the positive (+) side of the battery with clear packing tape, electrical tape or duct tape.
  • Put each used battery in a separate, clear, sealed plastic bag.
  • If the battery is swollen, leaking, punctured, unusually hot, damaged or subject to a recall:
    • Stop using it immediately.
    • Place it in a plastic bag with non-flammable material like sand, dirt or kitty litter.
    • Take it to a City of Calgary Eco Centre.
    • Do not take damaged batteries to regular battery recycling locations unless the location specifically accepts them.
  • Keep batteries away from heat, flammable materials and direct sunlight.
  • Take end of life batteries to an approved recycling location as soon as possible.

You may also be interested in

Quick tips

  • Purchase and use certified products with the CSA or UL logo.
  • Use only the battery that is designed for the device.
  • Use only charging cord that came with the device. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one the manufacturer has approved.
  • Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch. Charge on a hard, flat surface that allows airflow around the device.
  • Do not overcharge your device. Unplug it when it is fully charged.
  • Charge large devices like electric bikes, scooters and power tools outside and do not charge by exits, hallways or stairwells.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge at temperatures below 0°C or above 40°C.
  • Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.

Preventative measures

The Calgary Fire Department is seeing increased battery fires in homes and garages. Safe buying, charging, storage and disposal helps prevent fires, property damage and injuries. 

Buy safe

  • Use only certified lithium-ion batteries, chargers and cords with a safety certification mark such as CSA, UL or ETL on the product and packaging. Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
  • Do not piece together products that do not belong together or modify batteries or devices. Only use the battery that is designed for the device and install the batteries as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Charge safe

  • Never leave large devices unattended and charging in exits, stairwells and hallways. In the event of a fire, this will block your escape. Charge devices like electric bikes, scooters and power tools outside when possible.
  • Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch. Charge on a hard, flat surface that allows airflow around the device.
  • Use only charging cord that came with the device. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one the manufacturer has approved.
  • Do not overcharge your device. Unplug it when it is fully charged.
  • Don’t charge your batteries overnight.
  • Charge batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge at temperatures below 0°C or above 40°C.

Store safe

  • Avoid crushing, bending, dropping or damaging batteries or chargers.
  • Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
  • Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep batteries at room temperature when possible.
  • Keep devices out of damp or humid places.
  • Remove batteries from devices if possible.
  • Cover the battery terminals with non-conductive tape, place the battery in a sealed Ziplock bag, or keep it in the original packaging.
  • Store batteries so they cannot touch each other.
  • Keep batteries out of exits, hallways and escape routes.

Dispose safe

Device tips

Cell phones, laptops and tablets

  • Stop using if swollen or overheating.
  • Charge on a flat, hard surface like a table. Do not charge on or under pillows, blankets or cushions.
  • Dispose of damaged batteries and replace promptly.

E-bikes and e-scooters

  • Use manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers.
  • Do not modify batteries.
  • Keep escape routes clear – never charge near exits, stairwells and hallways. When possible, charge outside.
  • Stop using batteries that have been in a crash or exposed to water.
  • Follow disposal instructions for e-mobility batteries.

Vapes and e-cigarettes

  • Remove the batteries from e-cigarettes before placing them in a pocket or bag.
  • Do not carry loose batteries with keys or coins.
  • Stop using damaged devices.
  • Use approved chargers.