From the page: The iPhone still has chapters ahead
Idea 1
Safe disposal of the swollen battery
A swollen lithium battery is full of flammable gas, the result of internal chemical reactions that break down the electrolyte. In the past, batteries ended up as landfill weight without much fuss; today, when they rupture under pressure or heat, they become the start of a fire. That's why proper disposal protects your home, the collector and the collection truck.
What you need
- A container made of non-flammable material (a box of sand, a metal pot or a bucket with soil)
- Sand, dry soil or ash
- Strong adhesive tape (masking tape or electrical tape)
- A bag or box for transport
- The nearest battery drop-off point (electronics stores, supermarkets or recycling stations)
How to make it
-
1
First, turn off the phone and DO NOT try to charge it or turn it back on: every charge adds energy and pressure to a cell that is already unstable, raising the risk of fire.
-
2
If the device opens easily, cover the battery connector with adhesive tape — this insulates the terminals and prevents a short circuit, the spark that ignites the internal gas.
-
3
Place the battery (or the entire device, if it won't open) inside the metal pot and cover it with sand or dry soil: this material smothers any flame and supports the structure, preventing the cell from being pressed.
-
4
Keep the pot in a cool, dry place away from anything flammable, because heat and sunlight speed up the reactions inside the battery.
-
5
Take the whole thing to the drop-off point as soon as possible — a swollen battery is not something to "deal with later": the longer it sits, the greater the chance of rupture.
Finishing touches
never puncture, crush or freeze the battery to "empty" it — the internal gas is flammable and the ruptured structure can catch fire on the spot. If you notice a strong chemical smell or heating, move the pot away from combustible materials and ventilate the room.
This is one of the ideas from the full page — see all the possibilities.
This page feeds the collective knowledge 🌱 — every discovery makes the next answer better.