Rechargeable Devices Are Flammable — Here’s How to Dispose of Them Safely March 11, 2018 Email 3-11-18 In the past few years, consumer electronics have been in the news for catching fire, and it’s not because they’re being used incorrectly. Many of our everyday electronics use rechargeable batteries. Also known as lithium ion batteries, rechargeable batteries are highly flammable. If they happen to have any manufacturing defects, they can be dangerous. Rechargeable batteries can be found in many electronic devices, including the following: Cell phones Tablets Computers E-Cigarettes Portable charging devices Drones Hoverboards When you no longer want to keep a rechargeable device, it’s important to dispose of it carefully. Fires caused by rechargeable batteries have occurred in garbage trucks, recycling facilities and landfills. To be safe, recycle your electronics as e-waste. To dispose of a rechargeable battery, place it inside its own sealed plastic bag, or tape the ends with duct tape or electrical tape, and dispose of it as hazardous waste. Learn more in this video from CBS:
