Disposing of Lithium-Ion Batteries Incorrectly Is a Fire Risk — Government Launches Information Portal
On June 18, 2026, five government agencies — the Ministry of the Environment, the Consumer Affairs Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — jointly launched a portal site consolidating information on lithium-ion batteries.
Why Now?
Lithium-ion batteries are found in everyday products such as mobile batteries, smartphones, and electric bicycles. However, fires and smoke incidents caused by misuse and improper disposal are on the rise.
Prevent Accidents with the “3 C’s”
The portal calls on users to take three actions:
- When you buy (Cool choice) — Check product safety marks and recall information; choose products that meet safety standards.
- When you use (Careful use) — Avoid impacts and high temperatures; stop use immediately if anything seems wrong.
- When you dispose (Correct disposal) — Confirm whether the product contains a lithium-ion battery and dispose of it through the correct channel.
Always Check Your Municipality’s Rules Before Disposing
In most municipalities, lithium-ion batteries cannot be placed in burnable or non-burnable garbage. When discarding products with built-in batteries — such as mobile power banks or cordless vacuum cleaners — always check the waste-sorting rules for your municipality.
For details, see the official portal site.