Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we rely on every day — from phones and tablets to e-bikes, tools, and even scooters. While convenient, these batteries can cause fires or injuries if they’re damaged, used incorrectly, or thrown away improperly.

Follow these simple tips to keep your home and family safe:

Household battery safety tips:

• Never store new and used batteries together.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place — away from direct sunlight or heat sources and flammable materials.
• Keep batteries out of reach of young children.
• Protect the terminals when storing used batteries for recycling.

Buy only listed products:

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for safety certification marks such as UL, ETL, or CSA. These indicate the product meets important safety standards.

Charge devices safely:

• Always use the cords and chargers that came with the product.
• Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
• Buy replacement chargers only from the manufacturer or an approved source.
• Charge devices on a hard, flat surface.
• Do not overcharge — unplug or remove the battery once it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly:

• Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the garbage or blue recycling bin — they can start fires.
• Instead, recycle your device or battery at a designated drop-off site.

Visit recycleyourbatteries.ca to find a safe recycling location near you.