Our Mission Reveals
A Growing Battle with Batteries
How many battery-powered items are in your home, and are you keeping track? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not. Here’s a starting point for you to begin educating yourself.
Common types of batteries that swell:
Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Lithium-polymer (LiPo)
Lead-acid (sealed/AGM)
WHY DO THEY SWELL? Overcharging, wear and age, physical damage, and manufacturing flaws.
Do not ignore swollen batteries. They can leak hazardous chemicals, rupture or explode while building pressure or on impact. This causes fires and damages surrounding equipment due to heat and/or expansion. Never try to puncture or flatten a battery.
Where to take swollen batteries:
Hazardous Wastes Collection centers are located in Prairie Grove, Springdale, Fayetteville, Huntsville, and St. Paul. https://www.bostonmountain.org/household-hazardous-waste
Boston Mountain Solid Waste District: 11398 Bond Road, Prairie Grove, Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM & Saturday 8:00AM - 11:00 AM
Springdale Recycling Center: 1809 S Lowell Road, Springdale, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mobile HHW Trailer: 1525 S Happy Hollow Road, Fayetteville, every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Madison County Solid Waste & Recycling Center: 173 Madison 6553, Huntsville, Tuesday - Friday 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM & Saturday 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
South Madison County Convenience Center: 17669 Hwy 16, St. Paul, Wednesday & Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
What to do if a lithium battery catches on fire:
https://www.thecompliancecenter.com/help-center/articles/lithium-battery-catches-fire/
Other Knowledge Resources:
Can you put a lithium-ion battery fire out?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajTUo2cZCq4
Endless videos about batteries catching on fire from the point of view of Pat, the captain of a large suburban fire department in Michigan.
https://www.youtube.com/@StacheDTraining
What a swollen battery means and what to do about it:
More resources:
Everyday household items powered by batteries:
https://batterysafetynow.org/which-household-items-are-powered-by-batteries
What is a rechargeable battery:
https://www.delongtop.com/types-of-rechargeable-battery/
Three main types of rechargeable batteries:
https://www.microbattery.com/rechargeable-batteries-guide
Rechargeable battery types:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechargeable_battery
Common rechargeable battery types:
Extra Info: