A swollen lithium battery can look like a small problem, like a puffy phone case or a laptop that won’t sit flat. It isn’t. A damaged or swollen lithium-ion battery can overheat, catch fire, or release toxic smoke, sometimes with little warning.
This guide covers what to watch for, what to do right now, how to store it safely for a short time, and where to take it for proper recycling (not the trash, and not curbside bins).
How to tell your lithium battery is unsafe (and why swelling matters)
“Swollen” usually means the battery has expanded and is pushing on the device. You might notice a bulging back cover, a screen that’s lifting away from the frame, a laptop that rocks on the table, or parts that no longer fit together without pressure. Swelling often happens when gas builds up inside the cells, which is a sign the battery is failing.
Other danger signs include the device getting unusually hot, a hissing sound, a sweet or chemical smell, visible leaking, cracks or burn marks, sudden shutdowns, or a battery that drains fast and charges erratically. These can point to internal damage.
One risk is “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction where the battery heats itself faster and faster. Heat leads to more damage, which creates more heat, until it vents or ignites. Even a battery that seems “dead” can still spark and start a fire.
Quick safety check for phones, laptops, and power banks
- Phones: screen lifting, back cover bulging, or the phone won’t sit flat
- Laptops: trackpad bulging, bottom case bowed, or keys feel pushed up
- Power banks: case splitting, swelling near seams, or it runs hot while idle
- If it’s smoking, very hot, or popping, move people away and call local emergency help
What to do right away, safe handling and temporary storage
First, stop using it. Don’t charge it “just once more.” Unplug the device, power it down, and keep it away from anything that can burn (paper, curtains, bedding, solvents). Handle it gently; pressure and bending can make things worse.
Don’t puncture, crush, or try to “drain it fully.” If the battery is removable and comes out easily, remove it without forcing anything. If it’s stuck, leave it in place and plan to drop off the whole device.
Before transport, tape the battery terminals with non-conductive tape (like electrical tape) so they can’t short against metal. Keep each battery separate. For short-term storage, place it in a non-flammable setup, like a metal container with a lid, or a bucket with sand or clean kitty litter to keep it stable. Store it in a cool, dry spot, away from kids and pets, until you can take it in.
Avoid mailing or shipping damaged batteries unless you’re using an approved kit and the program’s instructions.
What not to do (these mistakes cause fires)
- Put it in trash or curbside recycling
- Charge it again, or leave it charging unattended
- Poke, bend, crush, or tape it to something metal
- Soak it in water, burn it, or toss it in a fire
- Toss loose batteries in a drawer or bag without taping terminals
Where to take swollen or damaged lithium batteries for safe disposal near you
Swollen or damaged lithium batteries should go to a battery recycling program or a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) site, not regular recycling. Common options include Call2Recycle drop-off locations (available in many US and Canada communities), local HHW events or permanent facilities listed on city or county pages, and retailer take-back programs where available.
Before you go, prep it so it can’t short or get crushed: tape terminals, bag each battery separately, cushion it in a small box, and drive it straight to the site. Rules can vary by location, so check acceptance details before heading out.
If it’s built into the device, should you bring the whole phone or laptop?
Yes, if the battery isn’t safely removable, bring the whole device to an e-waste drop-off or retailer take-back that accepts devices with batteries. Many repair shops and manufacturer programs can also help with swollen laptop batteries.
Conclusion
Swollen lithium batteries aren’t a “deal with it later” item. Stop using it, unplug it, keep it isolated, tape the terminals, and store it in a non-flammable setup until drop-off. Then take it to Call2Recycle, an HHW facility, or a trusted take-back program, never the trash or curbside bin. Search your local HHW page or a battery drop-off locator today and handle it as soon as you can.