Beware of the Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries This Holiday Season

As we head into the holiday season, many of us will be buying or receiving new gadgets, toys, and tools — and almost all of them are powered by lithium-ion batteries. From smartphones and laptops to power tools, e-bikes, scooters, and even wheelchairs, these batteries are now essential to modern life.

But while lithium-ion batteries power our daily routines, they also come with very real dangers. These batteries can ignite or explode in seconds, often giving you little or no time to react.

Battery failures can occur for several reasons, including overcharging, overheating, or manufacturing defects. One of the most dangerous conditions is called thermal runaway — when a battery overheats, triggering a chain reaction that rapidly raises its temperature and can lead to fire or explosion.

Even small defects in manufacturing can make a battery unstable. Aging batteries also become more vulnerable to failure as their internal components degrade over time.

Our Fire & Emergency Services Department reminds residents to follow these safety guidelines:

• Avoid off-brand or counterfeit batteries and chargers.
• Always follow manufacturer instructions for charging and storage.
• Keep batteries away from heat sources and flammable materials.
• Only use products that are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Certified.
• If a device feels hot to the touch, unplug it immediately.

I cannot stress this enough — lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown in the trash or recycling bin. These batteries have caused fires in garbage trucks and at waste facilities.

To safely dispose of them, bring used or damaged batteries to the Rockland County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 35 Firemen’s Memorial Drive in Pomona. You can call 845-364-2444 for more information on drop-off hours and accepted materials.

I want to thank our Fire and Emergency Services team, including Director Chris Kear, for their continued leadership and efforts to help raise awareness about this and keep our community safe — especially as more families receive battery-powered gifts this holiday season.

Please take a moment to review the devices in your home, use them responsibly, and handle batteries with caution and care.

Together, we can keep Rockland County safe this holiday season — and all year long.