Lithium-ion Battery Safety
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many items you use around your home every day, including:
- Personal electronics such as tablets, cell phones, smartwatches, laptops
- Toys
- Power tools
- Baby monitors
- Vaping products
- Mobility aids such as e-scooters and e-bikes
Safe Use and Storage
- Check for signs of damage before use and don’t use batteries that are swollen, dented or have torn plastic wrapping.
- Never modify or tamper with a battery.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- If you need to carry batteries with you, keep them in a protective, non-metal case.
- Store in a dry location at room temperature.
Charging
- Do not charge your battery for longer than the recommended charging time. Overcharging can cause your battery to overheat, which can lead to fires or explosions.
- Charge your device at room temperature where you can see it. Soft surfaces, like a couch or bed, can trap heat around the battery and cause the device to overheat.
- Charge your battery before it drops below 30 per cent to help it last longer and work safely. Do not keep it plugged in and charged at 100 per cent for long periods.
- Unlike older types of batteries, you do not need to fully discharge lithium-ion batteries. This may actually harm them.
- Charge your product away from exit doors in case of fire.
Disposal
Batteries are considered hazardous waste and should be dropped off at a household hazardous waste location nearest you. Find a drop-off location on the City’s Be Waste Wise App or visit call2recycle.org. Do not place them in household garbage for curbside collection.
(Source: Government of Canada)
Additional Resources:
Related Pages
Last edited: October 1, 2025