How to Dispose of a Swollen Phone Battery.

The search for an old phone may lead you to discover that its frame is swollen and warped, the screen has come out of the frame, or it has discolored patches. This is often the result of a swollen battery. Phone batteries, typically Lithium-Ion or Lithium-Polymer types, can swell if damaged or overcharged, causing an excess of current in the battery cells, generating heat and gases that can be toxic, flammable, or explosive if the battery ruptures.

Swollen batteries cannot be repaired; they can only be replaced or disposed of and should not be discarded with regular trash or recycling. Attempting to remove or destroy a swollen battery on your own poses a serious risk of fire or injury. If you find yourself in this situation, here is a guide on how to dispose of a swollen battery.

Tools and Requirements

• A fireproof container or bag, such as a metal bucket filled with sand.
• A connected phone or device to contact recycling centers or local authorities.

Quick Steps for Disposing of a Swollen Battery

1. Place the phone in a fireproof container or bag.
2. Store the phone in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials.
3. Find a location that can handle swollen batteries, such as a recycling center or repair shop.
4. Take the battery to the chosen disposal service in the safest way possible.
5. Follow the disposal instructions provided.

Detailed Guide

1. Place the phone in a fireproof container or bag: Before doing anything else, it’s crucial to put the phone in a fireproof container and seal it. Lithium batteries are prone to catching fire or exploding when damaged, and they can even do so spontaneously. A metal bucket filled with sand is a cost-effective and efficient option for this purpose. It’s also advisable to have a fire extinguisher handy when dealing with swollen batteries.

2. Find a location that can handle swollen batteries: After minimizing the fire risk, look for a disposal service that accepts swollen batteries. Recycling centers can be an option, but it's wise to call ahead or check online to see if they accept such batteries. iPhone owners can utilize Apple’s repair and recycling services. Additionally, phone repair shops are a good alternative, especially those authorized by the manufacturer, as they regularly handle this type of battery.

3. Take the battery to the disposal service and follow the given instructions: Once you identify a suitable place to dispose of your swollen battery, take it there, ideally within its fireproof container. In a repair shop or Apple Store, a technician can indicate if the battery can be safely replaced, depending on the phone’s condition. At recycling centers, follow the staff’s instructions to ensure you place the battery in the correct location.

Solutions and Tips

To prevent your phone's battery from swelling, it's important to keep the charge between 20% and 80% most of the time, especially if you plan to store it for prolonged periods. Many settings allow limiting the maximum charge to 80%. While it's not necessary to avoid charging it to 100% or completely discharging it, maintaining the charge range reduces stress on the battery and generates less heat.

If you find it difficult to locate a disposal center, we suggest contacting local authorities, who should be able to guide you. Ignoring a swollen battery is not advisable, as it poses a fire risk.