Do you have a cell phone, battery powered toy, e-reader, e-bike, e-scooter, or ‘e-anything’ in your home today, maybe even in your pocket?

If the answer is yes, read on to learn about how to prevent lithium-ion battery fires (and battery fires in general). The 2025 National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®) Fire Prevention Week™ educates about lithium-ion batteries. 

The official theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Charge into Safety™: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home,” which reinforces how to buy, charge, and dispose of/recycle lithium-ion batteries safely

You're not powerless against your powered devices! 

Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) responded to six fires involving lithium-ion batteries in 2024. The fires included a motorcycle, a van, landscape equipment, a boat cable, and potentially an e-scooter. This is an excellent portrayal of the variety and ubiquitous nature of lithium-ion batteries. They are in our homes, our purses, vehicles, garages, even on our wrists.

Review this page to learn more about how to keep your home in Northern Colorado safe from the risks of lithium-ion battery fires. These recommendations were compiled with the help of a PFA data analyst, assistant fire marshal, fire investigator, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). There is also an FAQ list at the bottom of the page. 

Power matters when it comes to disposing of batteries. Whether or not the battery is above or below 300 watt-hours is the deciding factor. Batteries that are less than 300 watt-hours are common and accepted in more places for disposal and recycling than the larger batteries.

Recycle these batteries at:

• The Timberline Recycling Center (The hard-to-recycle yard is for the general public. Businesses should dispose of or recycle their waste through the Larimer County Business Hazardous Waste Program.)
• The Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
• Home Depot accepts rechargeable batteries (less than 300 watt-hours)

Here are some examples of items that use batteries under 300 watt-hours and can be taken to the above facilities.

• Laptops
• Phones
• Tablets
• Most hand tools

If your battery is over 300 watt-hours (like those from power tools or larger devices), you can drop it off at Lowe’s—as long as it’s one of the Call2Recycle participating brands. E-bike/scooter batteries can also be recycled through the bike shop or manufacturer in many cases.

✅ Check the list here to find drop off locations and confirm participating battery and equipment brands. 
♻️ When you recycle at Lowe’s, those manufacturers cover the cost through Call2Recycle, which helps save the City Fort Collins and the Timberline Recycling Center money on recycling fees.

Together, we can keep hazardous materials out of the landfill and help protect our community!

Here are examples of items that use batteries over 300 watt-hours and need to be disposed of at Lowe’s or through the manufacturer.

⚡ Transportation and Mobility Devices

• E-bikes (most models range from 400–700 Wh)
• E-scooters (usually 350–600 Wh)
• Hoverboards (typically 400–500 Wh)
• Electric skateboards (300–700 Wh)
• Small electric motorcycles or mopeds (often 1,000+ Wh)

🛠️ Large Power Equipment

• Commercial or heavy-duty power tools (some professional-grade packs exceed 300 Wh)
• Battery-powered lawnmowers, snow blowers, or leaf blowers
• Portable power stations or backup battery packs used for camping or construction

📸 Electronics and Hobby Gear

• Large drone batteries (some professional or cinematic drones exceed 300 Wh)
• High-capacity camera battery systems or lighting packs for production equipment

⚡ Home and Energy Storage

• Home battery storage systems
• Solar generator units — many portable versions range from 400 Wh to several thousand Wh

Important Safety Tips about Battery Usage

BUY only listed products

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets established safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

CHARGE devices safely

• Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it. Also, charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

DISPOSE OF/RECYCLE batteries responsibly

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. 

What is the best way to dispose of lithium-ion batteries for people that live in Fort Collins and the surrounding area?

♻️ Recycle your used lithium-ion batteries—no charge right now!
Through the Timberline Recycling Center (TRC), the usual $5 hard-to-recycle fee is waived for lithium-ion batteries. That means it’s easier than ever to recycle safely and protect our environment from fire and chemical hazards.

🔋 The TRC can accept batteries up to 300 watt-hours, including most from laptops, power tools, and smaller devices. (Tip: You can find the watt-hour rating printed on the battery!)

✅ Drop them off at the Hard-to-Recycle Materials Yard during open hours.