Battery Safety

Battery Safety/WEE Recycling & Compliance

 

Whilst Lithium-ion batteries are not inherently dangerous, they can be if they are misused or mistreated. It is important you read and understand the information in this section to ensure you keep yourself and your electronics safe at all times.

This battery safety information applies whether you are using 18650, 21700, 20700 or 26650 batteries or any other lithium-ion batteries. 

NEVER KEEP BATTERIES LOOSE IN YOUR POCKET

Always use the case provided to store your batteries when they are not in use. Never put loose batteries in your pocket, or leave them in purses, bags or even drawers in your home. Incorrect storage is the number one cause of all battery-related incidents. Batteries left exposed to other items such as keys and coins can easily short - causing them to explode or burn.

If you like to take multiple batteries out and about with you, you’ll benefit from investing in a larger EVA case, these can carry up to x4 18650 batteries.

LOOK AFTER THE BATTERY WRAPS AND INSULATORS

Wraps and insulators should be periodically inspected for tears or damage. If a battery has a damaged wrap, it should be repaired or disposed of immediately.  The insulator is a round disk on the top of the battery - it separates the positive and negative terminals. If you bridge them with a metal object they will overheat and either explode or leave you with a nasty burn.

DO NOT USE YOUR BATTERIES IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS

The wrap insulates the negative terminal holding the insulator in place. Do not use batteries with damaged wraps or insulators. Either dispose of them immediately via a recycling point or return them to your retailer who will be able to repair them with a new insulator and wrap. If you’re confident in replacing the wraps yourself, you can do so using our wrap repair kits, you’ll find a wealth of resources on YouTube demonstrating how to do this. 

NEVER CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES WHEN UNATTENDED

Lithium-Ion cells should be charged on a dedicated charger rated specifically for Lithium-Ion cells. Never leave a battery unattended whilst charging and always be sure to remove the batteries from the charger when the charging cycle is complete. 

Whilst charger failures are rare, they’re not impossible. Recharge your batteries a convenient time when you’re in the room and able to keep an eye on it. Furthermore, when it’s completely charged, remove it from the mains. Overcharging it carries the same risk. If you’re looking for support in selecting the right charger, contact one of our team who will be happy to help. 

TOP 10 LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY TIPS

  1. Always keep your batteries in a case when not in use.
  2. Do not store your batteries in direct sunlight.
  3. Keep batteries away from flammable objects and materials.
  4. Never leave a battery unattended whilst charging.
  5. Keep batteries away from static electric charges.
  6. Keep out of reach from animals and children.
  7. If a battery has a damaged wrap, it should be repaired or disposed of immediately.
  8. Do not crush, incinerate or modify your batteries.
  9. Only use batteries within the manufacturers specifications.
  10. Recycle your batteries correctly - never throw them in the bin

WEEE Recycle & Compliance

You will find batteries used in a wide range of electrical devices, including vape devices. As a business who sells a large number of batteries we’re also environmentally conscious and acknowledge the impact our products can have on the environment - particularly if they are not disposed of properly.

 

Lithium-ion batteries are incredibly harmful to the environment and, when churned up amidst the mountains of rubbish dumped into a landfill, can easily cause a leak. Toxic metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium can quickly absorb into the soil, and eventually, make their way into the water supply. This toxicity is devastating for plants, animals and even humans.

 

In these conditions, the batteries are also liable to explode, setting alight the mix of materials into a toxic combination of chemicals polluting the atmosphere. Probably for the best that we avoid chucking these batteries in the bin then.

 

According to the UK HSE, every year an estimated 2 million tonnes of WEEE items are discarded by households and businesses in the UK. This is probably a good point to mention the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment recycling (WEEE) directive. If you want to read about this directive in more depth, you will find further information here; Government Guidance Notes (Department for Innovation and Skills).

 

In order to protect yourselves, the environment and to comply fully with the WEEE directive, we suggest you read and fully understand the following information to dispose of your batteries safely;

  • Recycle your batteries using the authorised battery collection bins; you can typically find these at local retail outlets such as supermarkets
  • Consider donating any undamaged and working batteries for use by someone else
  • If you live nearby,bring your used batteries to us and we will dispose of them for you
  • Don’t ever throw them in the bin.

All of our batteries adhere to WEEE protocol (products or packaging). You'll find our batteries marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. This symbol serves as a reminder for both individuals and businesses to separate their WEEE and dispose of it responsibly. 

 

As always, if you have any questions on battery disposal and recycling, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.