Summary
On September 29, 2026, the Ministry of the Environment published the results of a survey of municipalities on the disposal status of lithium-ion batteries and related products (fiscal 2025 results). All 1,741 surveyed municipalities responded, and the response rate was 100%.
Key Points from the Official Notice
- 39,282 fire incidents (including cases of smoke or ignition) suspected to be caused by lithium-ion batteries occurred, of which 9,456 required firefighting by staff or fire departments
- 86.2% of municipalities now collect lithium-ion batteries or products that use them (up 8.9 percentage points from the previous fiscal year)
- 41.3% of municipalities collect swollen or deformed batteries
What Users Should Check
Lithium-ion batteries (from mobile battery packs, heated tobacco devices, electric toothbrushes, and similar products) can cause fires if mixed in with regular household waste. Follow your municipality’s sorting rules and use the designated collection method (such as drop-off points or retailer collection). Swollen or deformed batteries require special care, and how they should be handled varies by municipality.
For the most current and accurate information, always check the official page.
Source
Ministry of the Environment press release: “Publication of Survey Results on the Disposal Status of Lithium-Ion Batteries by Municipalities (Fiscal 2025 Results) and Related Case Studies” https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_05588.html