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Lithium-ion batteries are widely used to power devices because they store more electricity than other types of batteries. This energy density, however, can lead to fires if the batteries are mismanaged, defective, or damaged. Learn more about:
Lithium-ion battery fires require large amounts of water to suppress or extinguish. Emergency responders should refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) for the most current firefighting techniques.
What are lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that contain lithium-polymer cells, such as lithium iron phosphate or lithium manganese oxide. Lithium-ion batteries are used in a variety of products, such as:
Cellphones.
Power tools.
Electric vehicles (EVs).
Scooters and bicycles.
Power banks.
They are also found in smaller devices like watches, pacemakers, and vapes or e-cigarettes.
Not all lithium batteries are lithium-ion
Some lithium batteries are single-use (non-rechargeable), also known as lithium-metal batteries. These have different chemistries than lithium-ion. We encourage safe collection, recycling, and recovery of ALL types of lithium batteries to minimize the likelihood of a battery-related incident.
How to handle lithium-ion batteries safely
Dangerous waste generators may recycle lithium-ion batteries as universal waste under most circumstances, but proper storage and recycling is critical:
Never put lithium-ion batteries in the trash or with regular recycled items.
Train employees to handle batteries safely.
Generators that choose to not handle lithium-ion batteries as universal waste must manage them as dangerous waste. Waste lithium-ion batteries designate as ignitable (D001) and reactive (D003).
Some best management practices for lithium-ion batteries include:
Separate and store waste lithium-ion batteries apart from other battery types.
Cover battery terminals.
Follow safe recharging practices.
Conduct regular inspections to look for signs of damage.
When lithium-ion batteries catch fire, they burn extremely hot, and can burn for extended periods of time as different cells in the battery are progressively damaged and ignite. This starts a chain reaction between other cells in the battery that is difficult to stop, known as thermal runaway.
During thermal runaway:
Electrolytes inside the battery can vaporize and mix with air to form a flammable vapor cloud that can explode.
A mixture of several toxic gases can be released that you should never inhale.
These vapors are especially hazardous in enclosed spaces such as inside buildings or parking garages. Burning batteries can also emit hazardous smoke, toxic vapors, and leave behind heavy metals.
Dangers of reignition
Reignition can happen after a lithium-ion battery fire when remaining battery cells are damaged and the flammable electrolyte is still present. The heat generated during the initial fire may also not have been enough to fully discharge the battery, creating potential for reignition under certain conditions.
EV batteries: Frequently asked questions
EV batteries taken out of service often still have about 70% of their original energy capacity. They can be repurposed for “second life” energy storage in electrical grids and communications towers, as well as energy storage for solar farms, wind farms, and other renewable sources. These batteries aren’t waste when used for their intended purpose.
Never reuse damaged EV batteries
Damaged batteries have a higher likelihood of entering thermal runaway and should be promptly recycled or disposed of. For example, an EV involved in a traffic incident, should not be repurposed.
Larger battery packs like those found in EVs may be partially disassembled into cells or modules to facilitate transportation, storage, and processing. Disassembly of battery packs into individual batteries or cells is an allowable activity under the universal waste standards (WAC 173-303-573(9)(a)(ii)(E)) and doesn’t require a permit. Any wastes generated during disassembly are subject to designation.
When transporting or towing a wrecked EV, ensure that all four wheels are off the ground (for instance, place the wrecked EV on a flatbed tow truck). Many EVs can generate power when the wheels spin, which could result in the battery overheating or other significant damage if wheels are left on the ground during towing.
Don’t store a severely damaged vehicle with a lithium-ion battery inside a structure or within 50 feet of any structure or vehicle.
