It’s Fire Prevention Week
The perfect time to learn how to safely dispose of cellphones and vapes to avoid fires in waste collection bins and trucks
Do you know the difference between a regular battery and a lithium-ion battery? Both are considered household hazardous waste and can pose a fire risk. It’s important to understand how to safely buy, charge and dispose of them to keep you and your family safe.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home and the aim is to educate everyone about safe use of these batteries.
What are lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries commonly found in household electronics – think cellphones, laptops, vapes/e-cigarettes and power tools, to name a few. They have many advantages, including longer lifespans and fast charging capabilities. However, they can overheat and cause a fire if they are not used properly.
How can I safely use them?
When purchasing lithium-ion powered devices, ensure the product has one of the recognized Canadian certification marks, such as “CSA,” “cUL” or “cETL.”
Always follow manufacturers’ guidelines when using and recharging the batteries.
Any chargers or batteries needing replacement should come from the original manufacturer.
Stop using the battery if you notice a change in colour, odour or shape, if it is producing too much heat, leaking or making odd noises.
Charge your devices properly. Do not cover or charge your device on soft surfaces, such as under your pillow or on your bed or couch. Stop charging your device once it reaches 100 per cent.
How can I safely dispose of them?
All batteries are considered household hazardous waste and do not belong in the garbage, blue box or green bin. Disposing of these items incorrectly can cause fires in waste collection bins and trucks. If you have an old device or battery, you must bring it to a safe battery recycling locations such as a York Region Waste Depot (fees may apply) or various participating Vaughan Public Libraries.
You don’t need to remove the battery to recycle your electronics! If your device is still in working condition, consider donating it to a friend, family member, local charity or second-hand shop. Old electronics, including cellphones, laptops, tablets and printers, can also be recycled – visit recyclemyelectronics.ca to find a retail location near you.
If you don’t know where to dispose of an item, use the City’s online ‘What Goes Where?’ sorting tool to check using the search function. You can also download the free Recycle Coach app from the Apple App Store or Google Play for more sorting help. The app also provides waste-less tips and a personalized collection schedule with optional alerts on what to put to the curb each week.
Where can I learn more fire safety tips?
Drop by one of the locations below to meet with the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service team, test your knowledge with trivia, win exciting prizes and learn how to stay safe:
Monday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: IKEA (200 Interchange Way)
Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Costco (71 Colossus Dr.)
Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Promenade Shopping Centre (1 Promenade Cir.)
Thursday, Oct. 9, from noon to 3 p.m.: Home Depot (55 Cityview Blvd.)
Friday, Oct. 10, from noon to 3 p.m.: RONA (200 McNaughton Rd.)
Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Woodbridge Fall Fair (100 Porter Ave.)
Fire Prevention Week is recognized annually during the week of Oct. 9 by the National Fire Prevention Association. This year, it is proclaimed by the City of Vaughan from Oct. 5 to 11.
Follow the City on Instagram to challenge yourself with fire prevention trivia throughout the week and check out more safety tips at vaughan.ca/fire.
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