During Fire Prevention Week, SCDES Urges South Carolinians to ‘Be Battery Smart’ and Prevent Lithium-ion Battery Fires at Home

Columbia, S.C. — As Fire Prevention Week approaches this Oct. 4–10, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) reminds South Carolinians of the risks associated with common household batteries. The agency’s “Take Charge: Be Battery Smart” campaign raises awareness specifically about the lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that power everyday devices and can be a fire risk when used, stored or disposed of improperly. 

Lithium-ion batteries are found in many of the rechargeable products we use every day, including phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, toys and other household devices. Lithium-ion battery fires in the home are an increasing concern, posing risks for families, waste and recycling workers and firefighters. 

“Lithium-ion batteries have become part of our everyday lives, which makes knowing how to use and manage them safely more important than ever,” said Myra Reece, SCDES Director. “Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to remind South Carolinians that simple steps at home can help prevent battery-related fires and protect their families and communities as well as the workers who manage our waste and recycling.” 

When people place rechargeable batteries in household garbage or recycling bins, batteries can be damaged or crushed during collection and processing. A damaged battery can spark, ignite or explode, potentially causing fires in garbage trucks, recycling facilities and landfills. These fires put workers and emergency responders at risk and can be especially difficult to extinguish because lithium-ion batteries can reignite after appearing to be extinguished. 

Simple battery-safety practices can help prevent fires and protect your family and community: 

• Charge safely. Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and use the manufacturer-recommended charger. Do not charge batteries on or near flammable materials such as beds, couches, or blankets. 

• Store safely. Keep batteries and rechargeable devices in a cool, dry place away from children, pets and anything that could catch fire. 

• Dispose of batteries properly. Never place rechargeable batteries in your household garbage or recycling bin. Instead, take them to participating retail battery drop-off locations or participating county convenience centers that accept batteries. 

"Preventing lithium-ion battery fires starts with understanding that rechargeable batteries don’t belong in your household garbage or recycling bin,” said Kayla Maier, Be Battery Smart Program Manager with SCDES’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling. “Knowing how to safely charge, store and recycle these batteries can prevent dangerous situations at home and throughout the waste and recycling process.” 

This Fire Prevention Week, SCDES encourages everyone to Take Charge: Be Battery Smart by practicing battery safety at home and properly disposing of rechargeable batteries when they reach the end of their useful life. A few simple habits can make a significant difference in preventing lithium-ion battery fires and protecting communities. 

For more information about lithium-ion battery safety and proper disposal, visit des.sc.gov/bebatterysmart. 

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