Summary
The Ministry of the Environment has announced that it will designate October–December 2026 as an “Enhanced Campaign to Prevent Fires Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries,” with November specifically designated as “Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Prevention Month,” running a concentrated public awareness effort during this period.
The move comes amid a recent increase in fire incidents caused by lithium-ion batteries used in mobile battery packs, cordless appliances, and similar devices — occurring both during use and during disposal.
Key Points from the Official Notice
The Ministry of the Environment is promoting “3 C’s” for handling batteries:
- Cool choice — choose wisely
- Careful use — handle with care
- Correct disposal — dispose of properly
Collection methods for lithium-ion batteries and mobile battery packs vary by municipality, and mixing them in with burnable or non-burnable garbage can pose a fire risk. Be sure to check your municipality’s sorting rules and use the designated collection method (such as collection points or retailer take-back programs).
During the campaign period, collection events are also planned at match venues for six J.League clubs, though specific dates and venues have not yet been announced.
For more details, please check the Ministry of the Environment’s official website.
Source
Ministry of the Environment, “On the ‘Enhanced Campaign to Prevent Fires Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries’ and ‘Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Prevention Month’” (September 11, 2026) https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_05567.html
For the most current and accurate information, always check the official page.