Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Stay safe when using lithium-ion batteries

Most people have a lithium-ion battery in their home, but few are aware of the threat they can pose. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in portable consumer electronics such as laptops and phones. If improperly used, they can overheat and lead to a fire or explosion.

• When buying electronics, look for a safety certification mark, like UL on the packaging.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the product, or one recommended by the manufacturer.
• Plug the charger into a dedicated outlet, NOT an extension cord.
• Only charge the device on a hard service.
• Once the battery is fully charged, unplug it to prevent overheating.
• Replace lithium-ion batteries that show signs of swelling or malfunctioning.
• Never throw used lithium-ion batteries in the trash or a recycling bin. Instead, take it to an approved disposal site, like Sedgwick County's Household Hazardous Waste facility. For larger lithium-ion batteries, check the recycling guide to find a disposal site near you.