Lipo Disposal

[xmendad]

I've read or viewed some of the Lipo materials and have respect for their care and proper use/charging. However, I left one on over night and it is completely dead. As also noted, for the cost it's probably better to simply replace the battery rather than try to recharge it and have to be concerned as to whether or not it's reliable. Again, given the nature of the lipo battery, what's the proper and safe way to dispose of them? I've been told it is as simple as making punctures into the battery and placing it in a bucket of salt water which will neutralize the chemicals in the battery. Is that correct or are there other ways/precautions etc. to consider.

Thanks in advance.

[Malcurin]

don't puncture it, that's when the flames will appear I'm told, but yes the rest is correct, bucket of salt water for a few weeks then send it too a battery disposal place

[cynr100]

Here is an excellent site for those new to LiPo

http://radiocontrol.wikia.com/wiki/Lithium_polymer

[xmendad]

Thanks for responding and the reference. Great help

[Toumal]

Hi, I've got about 100 different LiPos and do have a bit of experience with this. I also wrote the Lipo deactivation article at rcwiki.

A non-deactivated lipo is a hazardous thing and can not be disposed of in the regular thrash. After deactivation however, you can throw it into the regular thrash bin.

To deactivate, it is not enough to just put the cell into salt water. You need to submerge it in salt water and slice the outer foil. You can also puncture the outer foil, it will not catch fire. Just make sure to not puncture too deep. You best use a cutter tool to slice just the outer foil. A small cut is enough, you just want the salt water to enter the cell.

It'll bubble quite a lot and there may be a bit of white smoke, so in any case only do this outside.



Again, just putting the cell into saltwater without opening the outer seal will not deactivate it. You will still have a live cell.

[xmendad]

Thank you for the reply. Your advise and instruction are much appreciated. All my Lipos reside in a metal military ammo case for safety. Disposal of the discharged battery will commence over the week-end. I'm assuming that common table salt is satisfactory, but is there a proportion minimum to use with the water? Don't want to sound too ignorant, but want to make sure things are going to work as planed.

Thanks again for the post.

[Hallmark]

... is there a proportion minimum to use with the water?...

For a 10 litre bucket I'd say lots... About 1/2 a cup should do it. Mix it in and taste it, if it resembles sea water then you got it.

Other option is, do you live near the beach?

HMk

[cynr100]

0.25%(w/v) of NaCl with H20 will ensure a conductivity of 50,000uS/cm (ergo seawater), NaCl when mixed with H20 disassociates its ions to Na- and Cl+ this provides valance to ensure conductivity.

I must be bored (at work)

Normal drinking water can provide conductivity from 0 to 1500uS/cm so adding 2.5grams domestic salt to a litre of water will provide enough conductivity to disarm a LiPo.

[Hallmark]

So 1/2 a cup is ok?

[cynr100]

Being an international forum I was trying to keep a standard known to all, however, if you plan on borrowing the salt from a neighbour then 1/2 a cup is fine