While roaming through my Facebook posts recently, a re-post from a friend just so happened to catch my eye. It helps solidify what I have preached in my household for some time now, after having a much less tragic episode with improperly disposed of batteries. Luckily, my experience with improper battery care was caused by overheating “AA” batteries being in my pocket and I was able to avoid harm by getting them out as soon as they heated up from shorting. Many people do not realize that what is contained in most batteries qualifies as a hazardous substance and can cause corrosion and even lead to a self-ignited fire.
For years my wife has labeled me a “worry wart” for making sure we do not just simply toss used batteries in the trash and for making sure our new batteries remained in their manufacturer packaging. After viewing the video I saw on Facebook via YouTube (featured here), she was a believer in the practices I maintained for battery care (especially 9-volts). Being that a battery is essentially an electrical circuit that needs completion, in the form of connecting the positive and negative terminals, it can pose a risk if a loose conductor connects the terminals. This can easily become the case if just tossed aside in someone’s “junk drawer” or miscellaneous drawer in his or her truck.
The fact that this is a rising problem for homes does not mean it is not likely to happen in a truck. I happen to think it is quite the opposite, as I can think of a number of things that I bring on the road that are battery operated as well. On top of that, the fact that a battery tossed in the drawer or cabinet in a truck is more likely to move around from road vibration, stop/starts, and turning G-forces, seems to lend itself to the notion that it might be even more of a concern.
To avoid this there are several practices that can greatly reduce your risk of accidental fire or corrosion. You should always keep new batteries in their manufacturer-designed packaging until ready to use. This packaging is designed to be the safest way to store them and does not afford the opportunity for accidental connection of the terminals. If you are not able to do so, consider using a piece of black electrical tape to cover and protect the terminals from coming in contact with an electrical conductor. This is especially true of 9-volt batteries, where the positive and negative posts are located right next to each other, making accidental connection even easier. Although it may seem like a bit of a hassle, consider saving all used batteries for collection at a local household hazardous waste collection site, which you may utilize from time to time to dispose of other things such as used paint and e-waste recycling. Not only is this better for the environment, but it is generally the way you are supposed to dispose of them in the first place, rather than throwing them into the trash. It is typically free and can help to eliminate the risk of fire from improper disposal.