Did You Know - Lithium Ion Batteries

Published on 22 December 2025

Did you know – Safe use and disposal of Lithium-ion batteries

Many portable devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones, children’s toys, e-scooters and e-cigarettes may contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They are light-weight, energy dense and long lasting but can be more volatile than traditional batteries. Most modern devices with rechargeable batteries contain Lithium-Ion batteries.

Risk

Lithium-ion Batteries can be a fire risk. Occasionally, if a Lithium-ion Battery is improperly charged, handled, stored or disposed of there is a risk of overheating, catching fire or explosion. This also increases the risk of a house fire, garage fire or personal injury.

Safety Advice

• Purchase products from a reputable supplier and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. • Only use chargers and cords that are originally supplied with that device. Using chargers with incorrect power delivery (voltage and current) can cause damage or overheating that can lead to fires.

• Don’t leave batteries or devices unattended whilst charging and once fully charged, disconnect them from the charger.

• Only use the battery that is designed for that device.

• Charge your device on non-combustible surfaces in a room where a smoke alarm is present. Avoid locations where a fire would block your exit.

• Never charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.

• Avoid overheating of batteries including exposure to heat or extreme temperatures for example in locked vehicles. Let batteries cool before recharging.

• Don’t use batteries or devices that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, overheating, or signs of mechanical damage (cracked, dented, punctured, or crushed).

• Avoid exposure to moisture, overcharging and storing batteries close to each other.

Warning Indicators

Stop using the battery if you notice strong odours, colour change, extreme heat, change in shape, leaking or unusual sounds (for example popping or hissing). Don’t touch leaking or damaged batteries (use gloves) and clean up any spilled material carefully. If safe to do so remove the device away from anything that can catch fire.

If your battery catches fire ring 000 immediately and wait in a safe location for firefighters to arrive.

Lithium-ion Battery Disposal

There are risks if Lithium-ion batteries are not disposed of correctly. Proper disposal avoids damage or puncture by heavy machinery during transport or processing which may lead to fires. Transfer Stations at Warracknabeal, Hopetoun and Murtoa and the main office in Warracknabeal can accept these batteries.

Never place a Lithium-ion battery in any of your kerbside bins.