Lithium-ion battery safety and management

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.

Handling lithium-ion batteries safety

Dangerous waste generators may recycle lithium-ion batteries as universal waste under most circumstances, but proper storage and recycling is critical:

• Send batteries to another universal waste handler or destination facility authorized to receive waste batteries.
• Never put lithium-ion batteries in the trash or with regular recycled items.
• Train employees to handle batteries safely.

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.
• Prepare for emergencies.

For a full list of best management practices, read our lithium-ion battery fact sheet for generators.

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).

What are the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires?

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.

What if you encounter a lithium-ion battery fire?

If you encounter a lithium-ion battery fire:

• Move as far away from it as possible.
• Stay upwind.
• Seek good ventilation.
• Call 911.

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.

Reduce the danger of reignition

Lithium-ion batteries can reignite hours or days after a fire has been seemingly extinguished. To reduce the likelihood of reignition:

• Place the battery in a container.
• Cover the battery with sand, recycled glass, or other products specifically designed to suppress battery fires.

Reusing electric vehicle (EV) batteries

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.

Frequently asked questions