Various batteries are utilized and stored across the College of Engineering campus. Due to their elevated fire risk if not operated, stored, or if they become damaged, proper precautions must be taken. The following webpage is provided to educate the users and occupants of the CoE campus.
Lithium-based Batteries
Types of Lithium-based Batteries
- Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Lithium polymer (Li-Po) Batteries
- Include batteries found in laptops, tablets, cellphones, scooters, bikes, drones, etc.
- Usually rechargeable
- Lithium Metal (LiM) Batteries
- Batteries found in watches, key fobs, hearing aids, etc.
- Generally non-rechargeable
Hazards
Fire: Due to the components associated with Li based batteries, they are inherently flammable and or reactive with air or water. Typically battery cells are sealed to protect the reactive components from air and water. If the seal is broken due to damage or abuse, it will often trigger a fire.
Thermal Runaway: An overheated battery can also cause a exothermic reaction which will cause the battery to catch fire and continue to react until it is complete.
Signs of a Problem
- Overheating
- Bulging
- Leaking
- Change in color or emitting a strange odor and or noise
Proper Storage and Charging
- Purchase batteries and chargers from a reputable source. Look for the different Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory stamp on the packaging and product.
- Only use the charger that was provided with the device and charge the batteries in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
- Do not leave Li powered devices unattended while charging.
- Charge on a flat, dry, area away from any direct sunlight, liquids, or combustible/flammable materials/flames.
- Store in an room-temperature environment, void of extreme high or low temperatures.
Containment Bags and Boxes
Specialized containment bags and boxes are available for purchase from various retailers, for both storage and safe charging of batteries. The following are examples of some of these products available:
- PIG™ Obsidian™ Lithium Battery Storage and Shipping Case: More details
- Titan Lithium Charging Safety Bag: More details
Battery Disposal
Alkaline Batteries – Please throw your alkaline batteries in the normal trash.
Lead Acid Batteries – Lead acid batteries (car type and gel cell) can be returned to the vendor from which it was purchased. If you are unable to return the battery to a vendor, please contact Physical Plant Customer Service at 608-263-3333 for a pick-up request. All caps on the battery must be present. If the battery is leaking, it must be secured in double plastic bags at least 4-mils thick. Please fill out a chemical pick up request form for leaking batteries only.
Nickel Cadmium Batteries (Nicads) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) – These batteries should be purchased from a vendor who will accept the old battery. If you are unable to return the battery to a vendor, please contact Physical Plant Customer Service at 608-263-3333 for a pick-up request or find a battery recycling tower located in your designated building (see image below).
Lithium Batteries – Lithium batteries should be purchased from a vendor who will accept the old battery. If you are unable to return the battery to the vendor, please contact Physical Plant Customer Service at 608-263-3333 for a pick-up request or find a battery recycling tower located in your designated building. Please tape the terminals on these specific batteries before disposal.
Please check with SWAP, 608-497-4440, for pickup and reusability of computer batteries.
Battery Safety Related Training
- CoE Battery Safety and Disposal Training: Recommended for all lab researchers in the College of Engineering.