Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

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Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-Ion batteries are used in various devices, commonly powering cell phones, laptops, tablets power tools, electric cars, and e-micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters . Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly.

Given the nascent industry and lack of federal standards for e-micromobility products, a number of the batteries in these devices are or become defective and can overheat, catch fire, or explode. In 2023 alone, there were 268 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries- many used to power to e-bikes.

E-Micromobility Cabinet Review and Installation

Be #FDNYSmart: Safety Tips for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Resources

Lithium-Ion Safety Booklet (PDF) | Other languages inside: Español, اللغة العربية, বাংলা, 中文, Français, Kreyòl Ayisyen, 한국어, Polski, Русский, אידיש ,اردو.

Safety Tips for Devices with Lithium-Ion Batteries Flyer (PDF) | Other languages: Español, اللغة العربية, 中文, Français, Kreyòl Ayisyen, 한국어, Русский.

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Micromobility Devices: Safety Tips for Retailers and Consumers (PDF) | Other languages: العربية, বাংলা, Français, Kreyòl Ayisyen, 한국어, Język Polski, Русский, 简体中文, Español, 繁體中文, اردو

Report Improper Storage, Charging or Disposal

You can report improper storage, charging, or disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Your report will be referred to the appropriate Fire Prevention Unit. FDNY will review the report and possibly inspect the location by the next business day. You will get a response within 12 hours of submitting your report.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to report the problem.

Learn more (311): Report Improper Storage, Charging or Disposal

Battery Recycling

It is illegal to put rechargeable batteries in your trash or recycling. This includes batteries from laptops, cell phones, and digital cameras. Batteries can catch fire and even explode. Improper disposal can lead to serious property damage, injury, and even death. Keep yourself and others safe by following battery disposal guidelines.

Learn more (311): Battery Recycling Guidelines

Recycle batteries by taking them to a Special Waste Drop-Off Site. Visit nyc.gov/batteries for disposal instructions and more disposal options near you.

Interagency E-Micromobility Initiatives

Charge Safe, Ride Safe: NYC’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan

NYC Parks Department E-Micromobility Pilot Program

NYC Department of Transportation E-Bikes Information

NYC Consumer and Worker Protection Inspection Checklist for Micromobility Devices and Batteries

NYC Department of Buildings Energy Storage Systems Information

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