About
From phones and laptops to toys and tools, many of our favorite things run on batteries. But when tossed in the trash or recycling bin, these batteries can spark intense fires that are nearly impossible to stop.
Battery fires are happening more often. They’ve destroyed homes, burned down garbage trucks and recycling centers, and—tragically—taken lives. When a facility goes up in flames, trash and recycling services can be shut down for weeks or even months. The good news? Battery fires are easy to prevent.
Just remember: never throw batteries in the trash or recycling bin. Always tape the ends and drop them off at a safe collection site or mail them in using a certified return box.
The Facts
An overheating battery can go from from 212°F to 1,800°F in the blink of an eye. (Source: Clemson University.) When batteries ignite, they can throw off flames reaching temperatures of over 2000°F. (Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology.)
89+
Deaths in the uS
Since 2020, there have been at least 89 deaths directly related to lithium-ion battery incidents in the United States, nearly a 50% increase from 2015-2019! (Source: UL Solutions)
250+
Fires in 7 months
In the first seven months of 2025, there were more than 250 fire incidents at waste and recycling facilities across the U.S. and Canada—more facility fires than any other period on record.
(Source: Ryan Fogelman)
$22
Million per facility
Catastrophic losses caused by fires at waste processing facilities have risen 41% in the last five years, with the average catastrophic loss causing $22 million in damage.
(Source: Recycle.com)
Woodsy Owl’s Resources
Never bin your batteries! Use these helpful resources learn more about how stop battery fires before they start.
Three Easy Steps
To Turn Your
Batteries In
Which Household
Items Are Powered By Batteries?
Keep safe!
Use Woodsy Owl’s Tips for Battery Safety.
In The News
Battery fires are surging. In our homes and our communities, these explosive fires are putting more and more lives at risk.
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Lithium Battery Ignites in Flames in Traveler’s Carry-On Luggage
An Air China Flight made an emergency landing after a passenger’s lithium battery caught fire in an overhead compartment. Footage of the incident shows bright orange flames emanating from the compartment as the flight crew rushes to help.
Fighting Fire with Collaboration: Tackling the Lithium-Ion Battery Crisis in Waste and Recycling
Lithium-ion batteries have become an essential part of modern life, powering everything from toothbrushes, TV remotes, smartphones, and laptops to electric bikes and BEV vehicles.
The National Waste and Recycling Foundation President and CEO, Michael E. Hoffman, joins FOX5 DC to Raise Awareness of the Dangers of Battery Fires
September 9, 2025, (WTTG) Michael E. Hoffman from the National Waste and Recycling Foundation (NWRF) warns the DC-metro area about the significant fire risk posed by modern batteries…