It’s likely that you’ve used a device with a Li-ion battery at some point today. They’re in laptops, phones, tablets, some headphones, and most other rechargeable devices. They have a reputation for holding a high amount of power, and can be recharged quite a few times before needing to be replaced. But they’re not perfect.
For a variety of reasons including being stored in a high temperature, being left discharged, and simple manufacturing defects, these batteries can start to swell and become a safety issue. If these bulging batteries are punctured, they can start a fire.
Recognizing if you have a bulging battery initially can be difficult, but as time goes on becomes easier (and with increased risk as the battery expands).
- For phones and tablets, look at the device from the side and look to see if there’s a bulge in the screen. For extreme battery failure, the battery can even push hard enough to break the screen away from the frame.
- For laptops, the battery is usually stored towards underneath the touchpad and palm rest, close to the user. Check for any sign of bulging in this area. In addition, when the laptop is closed, the screen may not close all the way, and in case of extreme failure, the touchpad can be broken and pushed up from the case.
So what should be done if you have a dead Li-ion battery?
- Disconnect the charging cord and run the device until the battery is completely empty.
- Remove the battery.
- If the battery no longer holds a charge, but is not bulging, there are battery drop-off points at Home Depot and Lowes through their partnership with Call2Recycle.
- If the battery is bulging, and you’re in Pinellas County, please bring the battery to one of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection locations. The available days and hours of these locations changes frequently, so be sure to check with Pinellas County for the latest availability.
- HHW Center located at 2855 109th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL
- HHW North located at 29582 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater, FL