9-volt batteries are commonly used at Sheridan. These batteries can become a fire hazard if not stored safely or disposed of with care.
Why are 9-volt batteries dangerous?
On a 9-volt battery, the positive and negative posts are close together. If a metal object touches the two posts of a 9-volt battery, it can cause a short circuit. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this can make enough heat to start a fire. Even weak batteries may have enough charge to cause a fire.
How should I store 9-volt batteries?
Keep batteries in original packaging until you are ready to use them. If loose, keep the posts covered with masking, duct, or electrical tape. Prevent the posts from coming in contact with metal objects such as pens, coins, keys, etc.
It is unsafe to store 9-volt batteries in a drawer near or with common office supplies such as paper clips, staples, scissors, pens, etc. as well as other batteries. If these items touch the two posts, there is a greater risk of a fire starting.
The NFPA also recommends storing these batteries standing up, somewhere safe where they will not be tossed around, instead of loose in a drawer.
How can I safely dispose of used 9-volt batteries?
9-volt batteries should not be tossed away with trash. They can be taken to the used batteries recycling bins on campuses:
- Trafalgar – Security Counter in B wing
- Davis – Main entrance revolving door in B wing (facing the Welcome Centre)
- HMC – Outside the Bookstore
- STC – Registration Counter near the west entrance
Before placing them in the used batteries recycling bin, cover the positive and negative posts with masking, duct, or electrical tape.
What about other types of common batteries?
Other types of common battery sizes such as AAA, AA, C and D should also be stored in their original packaging (where possible), in a dry place and at normal room temperature until ready to use.
They can be disposed of safely at the above locations. Similar to the 9-volt type, these batteries must have their positive (+) terminal covered with masking, duct or electrical tape prior to disposal.
Remember!
DO – Store batteries, in their original packaging (where possible), in a dry place and at normal room temperature until ready to use.
DO NOT – Store 9-volt batteries loose in a drawer or near or with common office supplies.
DO – Recycle used batteries!
