• Use the correct size and type of battery specified for your device. Never mix old and new batteries or different chemistries in the same device.
• Use only the charger recommended by the manufacturer. Incorrect or off-brand chargers can cause overheating, overcharging, and battery failure.
• Never recharge batteries overnight or leave them charging unattended. Ensure the charging area has proper ventilation and is free from combustible materials.
• Download and review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the battery you plan to use. Manufacturers must provide an SDS upon request.
  • The SDS explains:
    • Hazards associated with the battery
    • Proper storage and charging practices
    • What to do in case of a spill or leak
    • How to safely extinguish a fire involving that specific battery chemistry
• Be prepared for emergencies. Ensure the fire extinguisher in your area is appropriate for the type of battery you use.

Do:

• Charge on a non-combustible surface
• Keep charging areas free of combustibles
• Monitor charging
• Use manufacturer-approved chargers
• Ensure ventilation
• Follow device instructions
• Use UL/ETL-listed e-mobility batteries

Avoid:

• Charging damaged batteries
• Charging near combustibles
• Charging in hot environments
• Using low-rated extension cords
• Leaving batteries plugged in indefinitely
• DO NOT charge/store e-bikes or e-scooters in residence halls

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries store large amounts of energy in compact cells. When damaged, overheated, or used improperly, they can enter thermal runaway, a self-accelerating chemical reaction that produces extreme heat, toxic gases, and fire that can be very difficult to extinguish.

How Lithium Battery Failures Occur

• Overcharging or using a non-approved charger, especially in e-mobility devices
• Charging or storing batteries on or near combustible materials
• Physical damage to the battery pack or cells
• Exposure to high temperatures
• Short-circuits from exposed terminals or debris
• Aging batteries or manufacturing defects

Warning Signs — Stop Using the Battery Immediately

• Swelling or bulging
• Overheating
• Corrosion, leaking electrolyte
• Cracked, dented, or damaged battery cells
• Hissing, popping, odors, vibration, smoke (Requires Immediate Emergency Actions)

Pre-planning is critical for an effective response to hazardous battery incidents. Depending on the size, chemistry, and condition of a battery, specialized equipment and procedures may be required for safe storage, fire control, and cleanup.

If a battery is smoking, sparking, venting, or on fire:

1. Evacuate the area immediately.
2. Activate the building fire alarm if a fire is present.
3. Call 911, or UVM Police Services at 802-656-3473.
   • Provide the exact location of the emergency and your name and contact number so responders can reach you with questions.
4. If safe to do so, isolate the device on a non-combustible surface away from flammable materials.
5. Use a fire extinguisher only if you are trained and the fire is small.

Note: Lithium-ion battery fires can reignite. Never attempt to move a burning battery.

For leaking lead-acid batteries:

• Contact UVM SOS (802-656-2560) to page Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for assistance with spill cleanup and proper disposal.
• Do not attempt to neutralize, clean, or dispose of leaking acid without EHS.

UVM recycles all batteries generated on campus. Brown battery buckets and Techno Trash Towers are scattered throughout offices and high traffic areas on campus for the collection of assorted batteries. These campus battery collection areas are for UVM-generated batteries only. If you would like to request a battery bucket for your office area, contact UVM Recycling. 

Note: Personal/home batteries (not UVM-generated) should be taken to local community collection; do not bring them to UVM buckets. Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) drop off location or waste pickup events will take them for Burlington and Chittenden County residents.

UVM provides dedicated collection containers for the collection of UVM-generated batteries.

Locations include:

• Techno Trash Towers across campus
• Brown Battery Buckets across campus
• Physical Plant facilities
• Other approved EHS battery collection points 

General Rules:

• Do not dispose of batteries in trash or regular recycling bins.
• Damaged, bulging or leaking lithium and lead-acid batteries must be isolated and handled as hazardous waste via EHS.
• If your lithium batteries are bulging or damaged in any way, do not place in the Techno Trash Towers, please contact waste@uvm.edu for an immediate pickup. If there is any heat or smoke, contact UVM SOS (802-656-2560) to page EHS for immediate response.
• Tape or cover exposed terminals to prevent short-circuits, which can result in fires.
• Large format lithium battery packs (micro mobility devices, research equipment) often require special disposal arrangements. Please contact EHS early.
• If the Techno Trash Tower is full or you have a large amount of techno-trash to dispose of, submit a Planon Service Request to Custodial/Recycling for extra pickup.