Safe LiPo disposal
 

One of my LiPos have swelled up on me. I just took it off of a balance charge that went fine and noticed that it is a bit bigger then the other identical one I have and a bit squishy, as though hot air has ballooned the packaging.

So I don't trust it anymore, should I just drop it in my trash bag or do something else with it to make sure it wont asplode before it hits tho dump?

I would properly dispose of it at some place that takes old batteries, not throw it in the trash. That's probably a horrible idea.

Make sure the battery is fully discharged. Mix up a solution of water and salt. Make sure it's very salty. Place the battery in the bucket for a day. Remove it, wrap it in newspaper and toss it.

RC guys have been doing this for years with no issues.

Your local fire department or city hall may have a disposal area also.

Cool thanks!

Radio shack / the source will also dispose of batteries for you.

WWRD?

What would Ricky do?

Use the lake filter

Ricky teaches Trinity about littering and borrowing tires - YouTube

Chuck it in the ocean. There's your bucket of salt water.




Not really. Many stores have battery recycling boxes (The Source, Home Depot, Canadain Tire).

Not an expert. The method I used with desired results:

Discharged a neglected and unbalanced 7.4v LiPo with an old Xbox fan. Wired the fan to XT60's, connected the battery, and left it in an open topped ammunition tin outside in a sheltered environment until the LiPo volt reader plugged into the balance port read zeros all around. The pack did not swell further once discharged.

From my own research on RC forums on proper LiPo disposal, the salt water method seems to be a topic for debate. Some claim it renders the battery safe for disposal after sitting in the bath for a few days, some say the salt water corrodes the tabs before the pack is fully discharged.

Either discharging with a load connected or rigging a device to puncture the pack in a safe and controlled setting were considered as viable options to me as both the outcomes seem predictable. My own uncertainty of the salt water method and the inability to confirm a zero charge afterward had me opt for the method I chose. The desired results were achieved. YMMV.

//Also, long time lurker, first time poster.