A swollen or overheating lithium-ion battery: safer use, charging and disposal

Recognize battery warning signs, stop using damaged equipment, charge safely and check local instructions for hazardous-waste disposal.

Stop using a lithium-ion battery if it is swollen, dented, unusually hot, leaking or otherwise damaged. Do not puncture, crush, modify or try to repair it, and do not put it back on charge.

Charging and storage

• Use the charger recommended by the device maker and follow its instructions.
• Charge on a hard, stable surface where you can notice a problem; avoid beds, couches and covered devices.
• Keep batteries away from heat, direct sun, moisture and flammable materials.
• Do not use a damaged or counterfeit battery or charger.

If a battery smokes or catches fire

Move people away, leave the area and call 911 if there is smoke, fire, intense heat or danger. Do not handle or carry a hot or burning battery. Follow firefighters' instructions.

Disposal

Lithium-ion batteries do not belong in household garbage. Protect terminals if instructed and ask your municipality or an approved collection site how to dispose of a damaged battery safely.

Health Canada: lithium-ion battery safety · Version française →

Sources and limits

Source: Health Canada lithium-ion battery safety guidance. For a damaged battery, follow municipal hazardous-waste instructions and emergency responders' directions.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.