Is an old leaking cell phone Lithium battery dangerous?

[walterjay]

Was cleaning out a drawer and found a 10 year old flip phone. It was wet as the battery was leaking. Took it apart and saw the lithium battery was swollen. I assume this is a potential fire hazard. I set the battery outside and will eventually take it to the recycling center where they accept them.

Is this a fire hazard or just a leaker? How cautious should I be? Anyone have a cell phone battery catch on fire?

 

[JavierH19]

I'd say so if it's failing like that.

 

[dishdude]

If it's fully discharged I would think there wouldn't be a risk of fire. It's the stored energy that is dangerous.

 

[Prison_Mike]

Samsung infamously had batteries explode several years ago with their phones to the point airlines were banning them if you had the affected phones. Discharged or not, it's not worth the risk. If you're feeling adventurous enough, you can always get a metal bucket and fill it with sand, then puncture the layers. Give yourself an early fireworks show lol

 

[AP9]

Yes. It probably would be fully discharged, or close to it, so not necessarily a thermal runaway risk, but the electrolyte solvent itself could be mildly toxic or combustible.

 

[fozzdesy2001]

safely dispose of it, no point in taking chances