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National Battery Day: South Carolinians Reminded to ‘Be Battery Smart’ About Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 18, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — As February 18 is recognized as National Battery Day, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) urges residents to learn about the risks associated with common household batteries. Lithium-ion batteries power more household devices than ever before — from phones and laptops to toys, tools and electric scooters — which is why SCDES reminds residents to “Take Charge! Be Battery Smart".
Launched in la
te 2023 through a partnership with the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), the Take Charge! Be Battery Smart public education campaign focuses on battery safety. When damaged, overheated, improperly charged or discarded incorrectly, lithium-ion batteries can ignite, explode or cause fast-moving fires that are difficult to extinguish.
Fire officials across South Carolina continue to report an increase in battery-related fires, many tied to improper storage or disposal. South Carolina State Fire Marshal Jonathan Jones said lithium-ion battery safety is critical to protecting lives and property across the state.
“At the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office, our mission is to serve as a focal point for service and support to help save lives and protect property, and lithium-ion battery safety is a key part of that effort,” Jones said. “Following the manufacturer’s instructions for using, charging, storing, maintaining and disposing of lithium-ion batteries — along with having working smoke alarms in your home — can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy, helping keep South Carolina families safe.”
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in everyday household items, including rechargeable toys, gaming devices, power tools, e-bikes, vapes and cordless electronics. SCDES urges residents to follow these critical safety tips:
- Store lithium-ion batteries safely. Keep devices and spare batteries away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and flammable materials. Avoid charging devices on beds, couches, or near children’s sleeping areas.
- Protect children and pets. Keep batteries — especially damaged or loose ones — out of reach. Chewed or punctured batteries can spark fires or release hazardous chemicals.
- Never throw batteries in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in household garbage or curbside recycling bins, where they pose a serious fire risk to collection trucks, recycling facilities, and landfills.
Horry County Fire Rescue Captain and Fire Investigator Matt Rice said lithium-ion battery fires are a recurring issue locally, often tied to incompatible batteries and chargers (video message from Cpt. Rice is available at youtube.com/@southcarolinades).
“Every year in Horry County, we respond to multiple lithium-ion battery fires and failures,” Rice said. “Many of these incidents involve cheap, knockoff batteries or chargers that aren’t compatible with the device. Using manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, monitoring devices while they charge, and avoiding overcharging. If a battery begins to fail or produce smoke, move away and call 911 immediately, as the chemical smoke can be extremely dangerous to breathe.”
In addition to fire hazards, batteries may contain metals such as lead, mercury, nickel and cadmium, which can be harmful to people, pets and the environment if not handled according to manufacturer guidelines. Lithium-ion batteries also contain valuable critical minerals — including lithium, cobalt and graphite — that can be recovered and reused when batteries are recycled properly.
Residents are encouraged to use South Carolina’s expanding battery recycling options, including household hazardous waste programs and designated battery drop-off locations statewide.
More information on lithium-ion battery safety, proper disposal, the Battery Identification Guide, and local recycling options is available at des.sc.gov/recyclerightsc and BeBatterySmart.com.
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A recording of an SCDES Media Briefing held Feb. 17, 2026, about National Battery Day and the Take Charge! Be Battery Smart campaign is available at youtube.com/@southcarolinades.