Lithium Batteries at Home and What You Need to Know (NZ Guide)
Lithium batteries are in pretty much everything these days including phones, laptops, power tools even kids’ toys.
Most people don’t think twice about them… until something goes wrong.
The reality is, if they’re damaged or thrown out the wrong way, they can start fires pretty easily. We’re seeing more and more rubbish truck fires across NZ because of this.
So here’s a simple, no nonsense guide on how to deal with them properly.
Where You’ll Find Lithium Batteries
Chances are you’ve got a few sitting around your house right now.
Common ones include:
- Phones and tablets
- Laptops
- Power tools
- E-bikes and scooters
- Wireless headphones
- Cameras
If it’s rechargeable, it’s probably lithium.
They’re great because they last longer and charge faster, but they also pack a lot of energy into a small space, which is where the risk comes in.
Why They Can Be Dangerous
Lithium batteries aren’t like your old AA batteries.
If something goes wrong, they can:
- Heat up quickly
- Catch fire
- Even explode
The tricky part is that once they go, they don’t behave like a normal fire, the reaction is happening inside the battery itself
That’s why they’re taken seriously in transport and waste.
Signs a Battery Might Be Stuffed
If you notice any of these, don’t muck around, stop using it:
- It’s getting hot for no reason
- It’s swollen or looks “puffy”
- Cracked or damaged
- Smells a bit off
- Not holding charge like it used to
Best thing to do is get rid of it safely sooner rather than later.
Don’t Chuck Them in the Bin
Big one here.
Never put lithium batteries in your household rubbish.
This is how fires start in:
- Rubbish trucks
- Transfer stations
- Landfills
Even a small battery can cause a decent fire once it gets crushed.
What You Should Do Instead
Pretty easy options:
- Take them to a proper drop off point
- Local council recycling centres
- Battery bins at places like Bunnings or Mitre 10
- Check with the brand
- Some companies take them back or recycle them
- Store them safely in the meantime
- Keep them somewhere cool and dry
- Don’t leave them loose in drawers with metal items
A Few Simple Safety Tips
This is the stuff most people get wrong:
- Don’t leave them charging overnight
- Use the charger that came with it
- Keep them out of hot cars
- Don’t keep using damaged batteries
- Using the wrong charger or overcharging is a common cause of issues
If One Starts Smoking or Catches Fire
If it happens:
- Move it clear of anything flammable if possible, take care, as the battery will be very hot.
- Use an appropriate fire extinguisher or fire blanket
- Call 111
And don’t assume it’s out just because the flames stop, lithium batteries can keep reacting.
Quick Notes:
- Don’t chuck them in the bin
- Keep an eye out for damage
- Take them to proper recycling.
If you’re unsure about anything disposal, shipping or handling that’s exactly what we deal with at DG Solutions.
Email us at services@dgsolutions.co.nz