Proper Disposal of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (small rechargeable batteries) and products containing them pose a fire hazard!

Many rechargeable small appliances (such as mobile batteries, handheld fans, electric toothbrushes, and heated tobacco products) use lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries can generate intense heat and catch fire if excessive force is applied, making them extremely dangerous.
In recent years, fires have been rapidly increasing in garbage collection trucks and recycling processing facilities.
When disposing of unwanted rechargeable small appliances, please ensure proper disposal and recycling to avoid any danger.

Fire Incidents in Inagi City

In Inagi City as well, a fire occurred inside the pit at the Tama River Clean Center on Friday, June 27, 2025.
The exact cause has not been identified, but it is quite possible that lithium-ion batteries mixed in with the garbage were involved.
Depending on the scale of the fire, extensive repairs may be necessary, and waste disposal may be unavailable for an extended period.

• A fire has occurred at the Tama River Clean Center

Points to Prevent Fires

1. When disposing of rechargeable appliances, be sure to check the product's instruction manual carefully.
2. When disposing of unwanted items, be sure to check the waste separation methods.

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How to Dispose of Lithium-Ion Batteries

In the Case of a Swollen Lithium-Ion Battery

• Please put out your "hazardous waste" in transparent or semi-transparent bags once a month.
• Please insulate the terminals with tape or similar before disposal.
  For batteries with terminals not exposed, please wrap them thoroughly with tape or similar.
  (Terminals may become exposed if the swelling progresses.)

Note: Please follow the same disposal method for swollen lithium-ion batteries.

• Disposal of Swollen Lithium-Ion Batteries

In the case of normal lithium-ion batteries (those that are not swollen)

In the case of lithium-ion batteries only

• Please put out your "hazardous waste" in transparent or semi-transparent bags once a month.
• Please insulate the terminals with tape or similar before disposal.
• Small rechargeable batteries are also collected in recycling boxes at designated recycling partner stores.
  Please search for and confirm recycling partner stores on the website of the Japan Battery Recycling Center (JBRC).

• General Incorporated Association JBRC Partner Stores and Partner Municipalities Search(External Link)

In the case of household appliances with built-in lithium-ion batteries that cannot be removed

• Approximately less than 50 cm: Insulate the terminal parts with tape, etc., and dispose of them by one of the following methods.
  　1. On the "hazardous waste" day once a month, put it in a transparent or semi-transparent bag and dispose of it.
  　2. Put it in the "Small Electronic Device Collection BOX" located at 11 places in the city.
• For items 50 cm or longer: Please dispose of them as "bulky waste." (Reservation required)

Related Links

• Garbage Collection Days by District (Waste and Recycling Calendar)
• Let's dispose of "small rechargeable batteries" and "small electronic devices with non-removable rechargeable batteries" on the "hazardous waste" day.

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Special Site for Information on Fire Prevention Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries

Ministry of the Environment Special Site

• Lithium-ion Battery Special Site (Ministry of the Environment)(External link)

Awareness Videos

• YouTube - Let's eliminate lithium battery fires! (Long ver.) (Source: Ministry of the Environment) (External link)
• YouTube - Let's eliminate lithium battery fires! (Short ver.) (Source: Ministry of the Environment) (External link)

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