Summary
Okazaki City (岡崎市) is advising residents on three proper collection methods for lithium-ion batteries, noting that incorrect disposal is a leading cause of fires in garbage trucks and waste processing facilities.
Key Points from the Official Notice
- According to Okazaki City’s official notice, lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch fire when subjected to impact, high temperatures, or short circuits — and compression during collection or processing can trigger fires.
- According to the official notice, fire incidents involving garbage trucks and processing facilities have approximately doubled over the past decade, while fires caused specifically by lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries have increased by as much as 50 times.
- According to the official notice, lithium-ion batteries and small appliances palm-sized or smaller can be disposed of via three methods: ① drop-off at community center collection points (every Sunday), ② the general recycling center “Risuta Inakuma” (daily), or ③ yellow containers at recycling stations (on can and bottle collection days).
- According to the official notice, small appliances larger than palm-sized are accepted via two methods: ① collection points (every Sunday) or ② “Risuta Inakuma” (daily).
- According to the official notice, insulation tape must be applied to battery terminals before disposal to prevent short circuits.
What Users Should Check
- Insulate battery terminals with tape before bringing items in for disposal
- Check the size of the item against the palm-sized threshold to choose the appropriate collection method
- Confirm drop-off locations and the address of “Risuta Inakuma” on the official page
For the most current and accurate information, always check the official page.
Source
- Okazaki City Official | [Important] How to Properly Dispose of Lithium-Ion Batteries (last checked: 2026-05-31)