Lithium-ion batteries
Find out how to use, charge and dispose of them safely and reduce the risk of fire. Includes resources for fire and rescue services and partners.
What are lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, rechargeable and can store a large amount of energy in a relatively small package. This makes them useful in everything from mobile phones and laptops to power tools, e-bikes and electric vehicles.
Products powered by lithium-ion batteries are an increasingly common part of everyday life. They can be used safely, but it’s important that products and replacement parts meet relevant UK safety requirements and that batteries are used, charged and disposed of correctly to help reduce the risk of fire.
Buy safe
Whether you are purchasing a new product, replacement battery, charger or cable, always make sure it meets the relevant UK safety requirements and is compatible with the product and intended use.
- Buy manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries: Always use the charger supplied with the device, or a replacement recommended by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can cause overheating and increase the risk of fire.
- Buy the correct battery: Ensure batteries are suitable for the device they are intended for and meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Choose reputable retailers: Buy devices, batteries and chargers from trusted, well-known retailers to reduce the risk of counterfeit or low-quality products.
- Be careful when buying online: Products sold through online marketplaces or dispatched from fulfilment centres may be supplied by third-party sellers. Check who you are buying from and make sure the product meets relevant UK safety requirements before purchasing.
- Be cautious of second-hand batteries and chargers: You cannot be sure of their condition or history, which may make them unsafe.
Charge safe
Incorrectly charging lithium-ion batteries can increase the risk of fire.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Always use and charge your product in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance, including advice on charging times. Unplug devices once they are fully charged.
- Check for damage before charging: Inspect the battery, charger and charging cable for any signs of damage. Do not use or charge damaged equipment.
- Choose safe charging surfaces: Charge devices on a hard, flat surface. Never charge on beds, sofas, under pillows or near other materials that could catch fire.
- Keep escape routes clear: Do not charge devices in hallways, landings or near doors where they could block your escape in an emergency.
- Do not charge while sleeping or when away from home: This allows you to respond quickly if something goes wrong.
- Don’t overload sockets: Avoid overloading sockets or extension leads, particularly when charging high-powered devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
E-bikes and e-scooters need particular care because their batteries can store significant amounts of energy.
Find out more about e-bike and e-scooter safety.
Dispose safe
Dispose of batteries and electrical products correctly to help reduce the risk of fires in waste and recycling facilities and protect people working in the waste industry.
- Never put batteries in household bins: Batteries can be damaged or crushed during waste collection and processing, which can cause fires.
- Use designated recycling points: Take unwanted batteries to a designated battery recycling point, household waste recycling centre or participating retailer. Check your local authority website or Recycle Your Electricals to find out where you can recycle them.
- Recycle electrical products correctly: If the battery cannot be removed, recycle the whole device as electrical waste. If the battery cannot be safely removed, don’t attempt to remove it. Follow your local recycling arrangements or visit Recycle Your Electricals.
- Never burn, crush or puncture batteries: Damaging a lithium-ion battery can cause fire, explosion or the release of hazardous substances.
- Take extra care with damaged batteries: Do not use or charge batteries that are damaged, swollen, leaking or unusually hot. Do not put damaged batteries in household waste. Contact your local authority, recycling centre or manufacturer for advice on safe disposal.
- Protect battery terminals before disposal: Where possible, cover battery terminals with tape before recycling.
- Store batteries safely until they can be recycled: Keep batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture and combustible materials. Do not allow loose batteries to come into contact with metal objects.
If a battery is smoking or on fire do not put it in a bin or attempt to move it.
Get Out, Stay Out and Call 999.
Further information for fire and rescue services
NFCC Fire Risks in Energy Technologies Position Statement
Lithium-ion batteries elearning This course introduces you to lithium-ion battery technology. It has been designed to give you an understanding of what a lithium-ion battery is, how it can be identified, the hazards it poses to operational personnel at an incident, and some operational considerations.
Person-centred Home Fire Safety Visits elearning The module covering electrical safety explores how person-centred fire safety advice can help reduce the risks associated with electrical equipment and appliances in the home.
