How to Store Lithium Batteries Safely at Home

Good storage helps reduce the chance of a short circuit, overheating, fire, or avoidable battery wear. Lithium batteries are found in phones, laptops, power tools, cameras, toys, and many other devices; their storage needs vary by chemistry, size, and product design. First check the device or battery maker’s instructions, which take priority over general guidance. This guide covers ordinary household storage, not long-term storage of large home energy systems or electric-vehicle packs.

What You’ll Need

The device or battery manufacturer’s storage instructions
Original packaging, a battery case, or separate nonconductive covers for exposed terminals
A stable, dry storage spot away from heat sources and combustible clutter
A way to identify batteries that are charged, in use, or set aside for recycling

Step-by-Step

Identify the battery type. Check the label and product manual. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power many consumer devices; primary lithium batteries are non-rechargeable. Button and coin cells, tool packs, and batteries built into devices have different handling considerations. Do not open a battery pack or try to remove a built-in battery unless the instructions specifically say it is user-removable.
Inspect before putting it away. Do not store a battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking, unusually hot, giving off an odor, or showing other damage. If a device or battery has been recalled, follow the recall instructions rather than placing it in ordinary storage. Keep suspect batteries away from people, pets, and anything that can burn; see Troubleshooting below.
Choose a cool, dry, stable location. Use an indoor area where temperature stays within the maker’s stated range. Keep batteries out of direct sunlight and away from ovens, radiators, fireplaces, hot vehicles, freezing conditions, sinks, and damp basements. Avoid places where they could be crushed, dropped, or exposed to water. Do not use a refrigerator or freezer unless the manufacturer specifically directs it.
Protect exposed terminals. Keep batteries in their original retail packaging or a purpose-made battery case when possible. For loose batteries, prevent the positive and negative ends from touching metal objects or one another. Use nonconductive terminal covers or place each battery in its own nonconductive compartment. Never leave loose cells in a drawer or bag with keys, coins, tools, or other batteries.
Store batteries in a safe arrangement. Keep them upright if the maker recommends it, and do not stack heavy items on top. Store them where children and pets cannot reach them, especially small button or coin cells, which can be swallowed. Keep batteries away from paper, fabric, fuels, and other readily combustible materials; do not store them beside household chemicals or where they could be knocked into water.
Set charge level for longer storage. For a rechargeable lithium-ion battery stored outside its device for weeks or months, follow the manufacturer’s recommended charge level. Many makers advise storing at a partial charge rather than fully charged or fully depleted, but the exact guidance differs. Do not assume one percentage applies to every product. A primary, non-rechargeable lithium battery should not be charged.
Prepare the device correctly. If a removable battery is to be stored separately, switch off the device first and remove it only as the manual permits. For a device with a built-in battery, use the maker’s instructions for storage; do not force the case open. Keep devices switched off when practical, and avoid leaving them plugged in unattended for extended storage unless the manufacturer says to do so.
Check stored batteries periodically. Look for swelling, corrosion, leakage, unusual odor, or heat without handling a suspect battery more than necessary. For rechargeable batteries, follow the maker’s advice on periodic checks or recharging during storage; leaving them discharged for a long time can make some packs unusable. Keep a simple label or separate container for batteries awaiting recycling, and do not mix them with ready-to-use cells.
Recycle batteries through an appropriate program. Do not put rechargeable lithium-ion batteries or loose lithium cells in household trash or curbside recycling. Follow local household hazardous-waste or battery collection guidance and the recycler’s packaging instructions. Tape exposed terminals or individually bag cells when the collection program directs you to do so; do not assume every program accepts every battery type.

Common Mistakes

Leaving loose batteries together: Terminals can touch and short against other batteries or metal objects. Separate and cover them rather than tossing them in a junk drawer.

Storing batteries in a hot car, shed, or sunny window: Excess heat can damage batteries and raise safety risks. Choose a protected indoor location within the manufacturer’s temperature limits.

Charging a battery that looks damaged: Do not charge, use, puncture, or squeeze a swollen, leaking, or otherwise damaged battery. Charging can make a fault more dangerous.

Assuming all batteries should be stored fully charged: Storage-charge recommendations differ by product. Check the manual, especially for power-tool packs, camera batteries, and devices with built-in cells.

Putting lithium batteries in ordinary recycling or trash: They can be damaged during collection and create a fire hazard. Use a suitable battery or hazardous-waste collection route.

Tips

Keep original packaging and manuals when practical; packaging helps prevent terminal contact and makes the battery type easier to identify.
Store batteries in a dedicated, clearly labeled place, not mixed with loose screws, coins, or tools.
Use batteries in rotation so older cells are not forgotten, while following any use-by or storage guidance on the label.
For small button and coin cells, prioritize child-resistant storage and never leave a loose cell where a child or pet could reach it.
For large battery packs, e-bike batteries, or home backup systems, use the product-specific instructions and contact the manufacturer if the storage location or condition is uncertain.

Troubleshooting

The battery is warm, swollen, leaking, or smells unusual: Stop using or charging it. Do not touch leaking material, try to open the case, or put the battery in water. If it is safe to do so, keep people and pets away and move nearby combustibles without handling the battery. If it is smoking, hissing, rapidly heating, or burning, leave the area and call 911; do not attempt to carry it outside. Once there is no immediate danger, contact the manufacturer or local hazardous-waste service for handling and disposal instructions.

A loose battery touched metal or became hot: Do not handle it if it is hot, smoking, or damaged. Keep clear and seek emergency help if there is fire or active overheating. If it is cool and undamaged, inspect it without bridging the terminals, then follow the manufacturer’s guidance before reuse or recycling.

A battery was stored too long or will not hold charge: Do not try to revive it with an improvised charger or by opening the pack. Check the product manual and use an approved charger only if the battery is intact and the maker permits charging. Otherwise, arrange recycling through an accepted collection program.

You cannot find storage guidance: Look up the exact model number on the manufacturer’s official support site or contact its customer service. Until clarified, keep the battery cool, dry, protected from contact, and away from combustible materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should lithium batteries be stored fully charged?

Not necessarily. Some rechargeable lithium-ion products are best stored partially charged, but the recommended level varies. Follow the instructions for the specific battery or device.

Can I store lithium batteries in the refrigerator?

Usually, no. Moisture and condensation can damage batteries, and cold temperatures may be outside the maker’s recommended range. Use a dry indoor location unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise.

Is it safe to leave a battery in a device?

Often, but use the device maker’s storage instructions. Switch the device off, avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures, and check guidance for long periods of non-use.

How should I store loose lithium batteries?

Use the original packaging or a dedicated battery case. Keep each battery’s terminals from contacting metal, other batteries, or conductive materials.

Can I throw a lithium battery in the trash?

Do not place lithium-ion batteries or loose lithium cells in household trash or curbside recycling. Use a local battery collection or hazardous-waste program and follow its preparation instructions.

What should I do with a swollen battery?

Stop using and charging it, and do not puncture or compress it. Keep people and pets away; contact the manufacturer or local hazardous-waste service, and call 911 if it smokes, burns, or heats rapidly.

Further reading: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.