Lithium-ion battery safety

Where are lithium-ion batteries commonly used?

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are a growing portable energy storage solution. While they are found in portable electronic devices and have made our lives easier, they are one of the fastest growing fire risks in New South Wales.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a range of common consumer products, including:

• e-mobility or personal transportation devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters
• personal devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops
• household appliances and tools
• renewable energy storage systems
• e-vehicles 
• vaping products.

How to identify a Lithium-ion battery

There are various shapes and formats, for example, cylindrical, flat, rectangular, pouch, and device specific.

Most batteries will have some form of printing on them which contains either the words 'lithium ion', 'li-ion, 'li-po', 'lithium-polymer', or some other variation of 'li' to represent the scientific term for lithium. 

If the battery is rechargeable and has 'li' or 'lithium' printed on it, you can safely assume that it is a lithium-ion battery.

Handling lithium-ion batteries safely

How to recognise a damaged or faulty battery

Know the warning signs when it comes to damaged batteries. Damaged batteries include:

• Batteries that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, cracks, dents, punctures, or crushing
• Overheated batteries that may release vapours or smoke
• Batteries that have gotten wet or have been in water
• Batteries that have been in or exposed to fire.

How to charge batteries safely

Do

• Only use battery chargers that are recommended by the manufacturer as being suitable for the battery in the product being charged.
• Use chargers with the correct voltage and current for the device.
• Monitor battery charging times and disconnect products from chargers once they are fully charged (consider setting timers as a reminder to unplug devices).
• Charge batteries and devices away from combustible and highly flammable materials such as beds, sofas or carpet.
• Store batteries and lithium-ion products such as e-scooters in cool, dry places and out of direct sunlight, including while charging.
• Allow time for batteries to cool down after use and before recharging.
• Remember to keep away from moisture, heat and impact.  

Do not

• Do not leave batteries unattended to charge or left on charge overnight to prevent overcharging. 
• Do not use batteries or devices if products are overheating or showing signs of failure such as swelling, leaking or venting gas. 
• Do not buy or use products that have been altered or modified. 

Safe disposal 

Do not throw large lithium-ion batteries in your rubbish or recycling bin. A fire may ignite during waste collection, transportation, handling and processing. 

Batteries from an e-scooter or e-bike can be disposed of at facilities including: 

• B-cycle battery recycling drop off point
• Community Recycling Centre 
• Household Chemical CleanOut

Undamaged batteries (not swollen, punctured, or leaking) from small electronic devices, cell phones and vapes can be safely disposed of in a battery recycling bin. Ensure the terminals are covered with clear, adhesive tape to prevent any potential fires with other rubbish and materials. 

Find a battery recycling location near you

Report a product safety concern

Check the product safety recall list on the ACCC Product Safety Australia website.

If you become aware of an unsafe situation or item, whether or not anyone has been injured:

1. Alert the supplier about the issue.
2. You can report the matter to NSW Fair Trading by calling 13 32 20 or making a complaint online
3. You can also report the unsafe product to Product Safety Australia.

Responding to an emergency

Your safety is important. If you are injured or require urgent medical assistance, call 000 immediately. 

If your lithium-ion battery powered device starts to smoke or emit flames, follow Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) advice.