The Law: Lithium-ion Battery Disposal Ban
As of July 1st 2025 the state of NH put a Lithium-ion battery disposal ban in place. No longer is it legal to throw Lithium batteries in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries have become a leading cause of fires for trash haulers and waste management facilities. Transfer Stations that accept lithium-ion batteries must collect and actively manage the batteries, prior to recycling them through an authorized facility. Residents should always recycle rechargeable batteries. Stores such as Staples, BatteriesPlus, Best Buy, The Battery Network, and even your local hardware store may have lithium-ion battery drop sites or recycling options.
Learn More about the Lithium-ion Battery Disposal Ban
Preventing Battery Fires
Most fires don’t start from dramatic events—they start from routine disposal, often involving batteries that don’t look dangerous at first glance.
The goal here is prevention:
- Catch risks early
- Slow things down with separation best practices
- Protect staff, facilities, and equipment
Catch Risk Early - Scrap Metal Dangers
Scrap metal is one of the highest-risk areas for fires at a facility because prohibited items are often hidden or not obvious at first glance. Lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, propane tanks, oxygen tanks, and gasoline containers are not allowed in scrap loads — but they still show up.
Over the past three years, more than 170 prohibited items were found in scrap loads handled by member communities. Most were lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, which can ignite if crushed, punctured, or exposed to heat during handling or transport.
This isn’t just a safety concern — it also has financial consequences. These prohibited items have resulted in more than $42,000 in fines to communities. Many of these incidents are preventable.
One of the biggest challenges is that lithium-ion batteries are often hidden inside everyday equipment. Scooters, hoverboards, riding lawn mowers, power tools, vacuums, and similar items may look like scrap metal but contain rechargeable batteries.
Rule of thumb:
If it has a motor, a cord, or a rechargeable function, assume there is a battery inside until proven otherwise.
Once prohibited items reach the scrap pile, the risk has already increased. The goal is to identify them early and keep them out of the scrap stream whenever possible.
Operator Reminder
- Slow down when something doesn’t look right.
- Assume batteries may be present.
- When in doubt, take a closer look.
These steps help protect staff, vendors, equipment, and facilities.
Learn more about scrap metal hazards
Slow Things Down - Separation Best Practices
Battery Separation
Residents rarely separate batteries by type before bringing them to a facility — materials often arrive mixed together. That creates risk. Lithium-ion batteries behave very differently than alkaline or lead-acid batteries, and separating them as soon as possible is one of the most effective fire prevention steps you can take.
Having a designated workspace for battery sorting — rather than handling them on the fly — improves both safety and consistency.
- Tape lithium-ion battery terminals or place batteries in individual plastic bags so contacts cannot touch.
- Always use plastic containers, never metal.
- Ship batteries out regularly. Batteries should not be stored long-term at your facility.
One of the most important safety rules is do not remove embedded batteries. Attempting to pull batteries out of devices can damage them and may lead to leaks, fires, or personal injury. If a battery is embedded, ship the item as-is with your electronics.
Hot Tip: If it has a motor, a cord, or a rechargeable function, assume there is a battery inside until proven otherwise.
Scrap Metal Two-Stage Separation
Scrap metal plays an important role at most facilities — it diverts material from disposal and often generates revenue. It is also one of the highest-risk areas on site.
A single inspection point is rarely enough. Items get missed, materials may be hidden, and sometimes prohibited items are intentionally placed in scrap.
Two-stage separation creates a system of checks:
1. Incoming inspection when material arrives.
2. Second inspection before material enters the scrap container or is loaded out.
That second look is critical. It often catches batteries, fuel-containing equipment, or pressurized tanks that were not obvious the first time.
This approach may slow the process slightly, but it significantly reduces the risk of fires, injuries, equipment damage, and costly load rejections or fines.
Two-stage inspection helps protect staff, vendors, and the facility while keeping scrap programs running safely.
Learn more about two-stage separation
Protect Staff, Facilities, and Equipment
Partner With Your Fire Department
Invite your local fire department to visit your facility and review:
- Battery storage areas
- Scrap metal areas
- Propane storage
- Site layout and access points
Pre-incident planning improves safety and response time.
Hot Tip: Make sure facility addresses and 911 instructions are posted clearly at every phone.
Safety Supplies to Have on Hand
Every facility should have a DDR (Damaged, Defective, or Recalled) battery kit available to manage high-risk batteries safely. NH Recycles can help direct you to purchasing options if needed.
Lithium-ion batteries can enter thermal runaway, a rapid chain reaction that generates heat, fire, and toxic gases. DDR kits are designed to help contain this risk and provide a safer way to isolate compromised batteries until they can be properly managed.
It is also important to understand that no safety product is perfect. Fire response tools have limitations when it comes to lithium-ion battery incidents.
Traditional fire extinguishers may help with initial response or preventing fire spread, but they typically do not stop thermal runaway once it begins. Products marketed specifically for lithium-ion fires may provide additional control, but they are not guaranteed solutions.
Because of this, the most effective protection comes from:
- Prevention and early identification
- Proper separation and storage
- Using DDR kits when needed
- Prompt fire department involvement
The safest battery fire is the one that never starts.
Ongoing Staff Training
Fire prevention only works if everyone is trained. That includes attendants, scale operators, and part-time staff. Training should cover how to receive materials, separate batteries, and store hazardous items safely.
Hot Tip: This isn’t one-and-done—refreshers are important as materials and risks change.
Check On & Update Your Operating Plan
Your operating plan is a living document is meant to be written so any new staff member can read it and understand how the facility works (ideally). Several sections relate to safety. For specific questions about your Operating Plan, reach out to NHDES at 603-271-2925 (Solid Waste Bureau Helpline).
- Section 5: Facility Maintenance, Inspection, and Monitoring Plan
- What do operators at your facility do on a normal basis to ensure that fires do not happen?
- For example, are you prepping your batteries? Checking loads when they come in? Checking on your fire suppression systems?
- Section 6: Contingency Plan
- You may want to add a contingency plan in the event there is a lithium-ion battery fire at your facility.
- Section 9: Facility Site Plan
- Share this section with others! Give a copy to your fire department so they know the layout of your facility, keep a copy in the main town office, share a copy with your Regional Planning Commission, etc.
Resident Education
Most battery-related fires begin with well-intentioned residents who don’t know the rules. Clear, consistent education reduces confusion and keeps dangerous materials out of the wrong streams. Education is one of the most powerful safety tools you have.
Safety Signage
Good signage helps residents recycle correctly and confidently. When signage is clear and consistent, facilities run more smoothly and safely.
- New Hampshire the Beautiful offers grants that cover the cost of approved signage for municipalities—this is a major opportunity.
- NH Recycles provides a free sign library with ready-to-use templates, including signage about the lithium-ion battery disposal ban.
Using consistent messaging statewide helps residents understand expectations no matter where they go.
Social Media as a Safety Tool
Social media is an effective way to reinforce what residents see on site. Short, clear posts about battery disposal and scrap metal recycling help reach people before they arrive—and reduce risky behavior at the facility.
Social media reaches them:
- Before they clean out the garage
- Before they load the car
- Before they toss batteries in a scrap pile
You’re not just educating — you’re intercepting risk upstream.
- Scrap Metal Safety Awareness - Facebook and Instagram post to share
- Illinois Battery Awareness - a series of Instagram posts about battery recycling (easily shareable)
- Lithium-ion Battery Safety Social Media - free downloads from the National Fire Protection Association
- Preventing Lithium-ion Battery Fires - social media graphics from the International Association of Fire Fighters
- Lithium-ion Battery Safety Video - created by the City of Cambridge, great to share on social media!
NHDES Battery Brochures
NHDES offers battery brochures written for the public. These are great to keep at scale houses or check-in areas so residents can grab one while unloading. They can also be placed in other high-traffic areas in town such as Town Hall, the library, a recreation or senior center, etc.
1-Minute Battery Conversation
You don’t need a long lecture. A one-minute conversation works best: explain that rechargeable batteries can cause fires, that they must be recycled, and where to put them. Keep it calm and consistent. The goal is safety—not blame. The simple formula is: Explain -> Direct -> Thank - that's it!
Explain: This is your 10-second fire risk explanation.
- Example: "Lithium-ion batteries can start fires if crushed or punctured - even if they look dead."
- You can also add, "We've see fires start this way." or “That’s why they are not allowed in the trash or scrap metal.”
Direct: Now that they know these batteries can be dangerous, let them know what to do (facility dependent).
- Example: (while pointing) "Tape the terminals and bring them to our battery collection area."
- Either direct them to your battery sorting area or to a local battery recycling location, such as Staples, Home Depot, or Batteries Plus.
Thank: Close the conversation positively.
- Examples: (pick one) "We appreciate you asking." "Thanks for helping keep everyone safe." "It prevents fires here at the facility."
- Keep it calm. Keep it factual. No lecturing.
Putting it all together - a long and short version (for high-traffic moments).
Both are clear, calm, and direct.
What to Do if You Have a Fire
During a Fire
Fires can happen even when facilities follow best practices. Planning ahead helps protect staff, visitors, and your facility.
The most important principle:
Your job is to keep people safe — not to fight the fire.
If You See Smoke or Fire
- Call 911 immediately.
Do not wait to see if the situation gets worse. - Clear people from the area.
Keep residents and staff at a safe distance. - Isolate the material if it can be done safely.
Move the item away from buildings or other combustibles if possible — only if there is no personal risk. - Wait for the fire department.
Provide information when they arrive and follow their direction.
Early action and early notification can prevent major damage.
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are Different
Lithium-ion batteries behave differently than most fires.
They can:
- Ignite suddenly after smoking or swelling
- Burn intensely and release toxic gases
- Reignite after appearing extinguished
- Continue burning even if submerged in water
There is currently no fire extinguisher that fully stops a lithium-ion battery fire.
Extinguishers may help prevent the fire from spreading to nearby materials, but they do not eliminate the internal battery reaction.
Often, the safest approach is to isolate and allow the battery to burn out under controlled conditions while waiting for emergency responders.
Smoke and Fumes Are Hazardous
Battery fires release dangerous gases and contaminants.
- Avoid breathing smoke.
- Do not handle damaged batteries directly.
- Keep distance and allow trained responders to manage the incident.
For Fire Safety Personnel: Fire Safety Response Considerations for Fire Personnel - adopted from the 2023 Massachusetts Advisory on Lithium Battery Safety addresses response considerations for small lithium-ion battery and large (EV) lithium-ion battery fires for fire personnel.
After a Fire
Incident Reporting
All facilities in NH are required to report "all incidents all incidents or situations at the facility which involve an imminent and substantial risk to human health, safety, or the environment" to NHDES immediately (even on weekends - leaving a message counts!) In the case of a fire, first call 911. After the fire has been contained and extinguished, then call NHDES (the same day).
Call the NHDES Solid Waste Helpline to report: (603) 271-2925
Follow-up paperwork is also required. Within 5 business days after the incident, the facility must submit an incident report to DES.
Case Studies: NH Facility Fires
Lee, NH: Early detection prevented a major fire
This incident in Lee is a strong example of how training and awareness make a real difference. A lithium-ion battery that was improperly disposed of caught fire at the transfer station. Because staff recognized the danger early and responded correctly, the situation was handled quickly and safely. The Public Works Department publicly credited the transfer station crew’s training and quick thinking. No equipment was damaged, and no one was injured. Their message was clear: if this had gone unnoticed, the outcome could have been much worse. This case reinforces two key points for operators: lithium-ion batteries are a serious fire hazard, and early detection is critical. Read more about the Lee, NH fire
Pelham, NH: Scrap Metal + Lithium-ion Batteries = High Risk
In Pelham, a lithium-ion battery pack ignited in the scrap metal pile. Transfer station staff attempted to extinguish it, but the battery reignited and began off-gassing—a dangerous situation that can threaten anyone nearby. The fire department successfully extinguished the battery and called in the regional hazardous materials team, which provided a safe storage container for proper disposal. This response prevented the fire from spreading. The key takeaway here is that lithium-ion battery fires behave differently than typical fires. They can reignite and release hazardous gases even after flames appear to be out. Scrap metal piles are especially dangerous because batteries are often hidden inside equipment. Pelham’s safety message is one operators should repeat often: never allow lithium-ion batteries in trash, recycling, or scrap metal. Accept them separately and make battery disposal easy and visible for customers. Read the Pelham, NH Fire Department Press Release
Keene, NH: Repeated Fires, Major Damage
Keene shows what can happen when lithium-ion batteries repeatedly enter the waste stream. The transfer station experienced multiple fires over a short period, including three fires in one week and additional fires later in the year. One fire destroyed an excavator and caused an estimated $400,000 in losses. Another fire damaged a building and required a second alarm response with mutual aid tankers due to the site’s remote location. Although investigations were ongoing, city officials stated that improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous materials were likely causes. These incidents disrupted operations, damaged infrastructure, and required major coordination with fire departments, insurance carriers, and NHDES. For operators, this case highlights that even one missed battery can escalate into a major operational and financial impact. Read more about the Keene, NH fires
Granite State Recycling: Large-Scale Facility Fire
This fire at Granite State Recycling in Weare shows how quickly a recycling facility fire can grow. Crews arrived to find the building fully involved, and the fire escalated to a third alarm, requiring multiple departments to respond. Facilities like this handle large volumes of combustible and high-risk materials, including appliances that may contain batteries. Once a fire starts in this environment, it becomes difficult to control and can impact surrounding communities through smoke and extended response times. For operators, this case reinforces that battery-related fires are not limited to small sites. Any facility handling mixed materials is vulnerable if batteries are not properly removed upstream. Read more about the Granite State Recycling fire
Learn More - Additional Resources
Resources
How to Spot Battery Problems: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety ESF & ReMA
First Responder Safety – How to Extinguish: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety ESF & ReMA
How to Safely Use Lithium-Ion Batteries ESF & ReMA
Videos
Department of Fire Services Lithium-Ion Battery Symposium
Charge into safety: Lithium-ion batteries in your home (5 minutes)
Articles
How Lithium-ion fires create hidden risks for recyclers Recycling Product News
NWRA, SWANA, and ReMa Publish Battery Fire Guide Waste360
Guide for Establishing Lithium-Ion Battery Management Practices at Materials Recovery Facilities
Battery fire risk isn't going away. Insurance is responding. Resource Recycling, Inc.