Lithium Batteries - How to Identify & Tape

Lithium batteries are labeled with the word "Lithium."  You will also see "Li", "Li-Po" or "Li-ion" on the batteries.

Lithium batteries are also flat, button-like batteries, usually found in watches, hearing aides, and musical greeting cards.

Why tape lithium batteries before taking to a drop-off site?

Lithium batteries are a fire hazard, especially when they are damaged.  

Taping batteries helps prevent them from charging other batteries and getting hot.

How to Tape 

Use clear tape. Packing tape works best. 

Cover the parts where the battery delivers power to the device.  This is usually looks like exposed metal.  It can also look like a vent or a small plug-in. 

Completely cover these "contact points" of the battery with clear tape so they cannot come into contact with another battery and accidentally power it up with any leftover charge.

Taping Button Batteries

Lay a strip of tape down, sticky side up.  Place the button batteries onto the tape.  Press another piece of tape sticky side down on top of the batteries.  Press firmly between the batteries so they do not touch each other.