A statistic from New York City may not seem relevant to a business in the Midwest… but the trend behind it should get every organization’s attention.
According to the New York City Fire Department, the city has investigated 235 lithium-ion battery fires so far in 2026, compared to 138 during the same period last year. That’s an increase of more than 70%. Many of those incidents involved e-bikes and other “micromobility” devices, but fire officials say the broader concern is the growing number of aging lithium-ion batteries reaching the end of their useful lives.
This isn’t just a New York problem. This is a reminder that nearly every home and organization today relies on devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, and many of those batteries are quietly getting older.
Batteries Are Everywhere
Think about the average workplace: Laptops, tablets, smartphones, barcode scanners, power tools, UPS systems, handheld devices, medical equipment, portable monitors, and countless other electronics all depend on lithium-ion batteries.
Most work reliably for years. The challenge comes as they age.
Like any rechargeable battery, lithium-ion batteries eventually degrade. Over time, internal components can break down, increasing the risk of overheating or failure, especially if a battery has been damaged, exposed to excessive heat, or charged improperly.
As the number of battery-powered devices continues to grow, so does the importance of recognizing when a battery has reached the end of its safe service life.
Know the Warning Signs
Pay attention to batteries that begin behaving differently. Some of the most common warning signs include:
- The battery or device becomes unusually hot during charging or use.
- The battery begins to swell or change shape.
- There is leaking or an unusual odor.
- The battery no longer charges normally or loses power much faster than it used to.
These symptoms don’t always mean a fire is imminent, but they are indicators that the battery should be removed from service and evaluated rather than ignored.
Awareness Is Starting to Work
One encouraging takeaway from the FDNY report is that while the number of fires has increased, fatalities have declined dramatically over the past several years.
Fire officials believe greater public awareness has played a role. More people recognize damaged batteries, understand they shouldn’t be thrown in the trash, and are taking action before a problem occurs.
That’s a good reminder for businesses as well. Battery safety doesn’t require complicated policies. Often, it starts with employees knowing what to look for and feeling comfortable reporting a device that seems “off.”
Technology Refreshes Are an Opportunity
Many organizations accumulate retired laptops, tablets, phones, and other electronics while waiting for a refresh project or scheduled disposition.
It’s easy for those devices to sit in a storage room for months or even years.
That makes technology refreshes a good opportunity to do more than simply replace equipment. It’s also a chance to identify aging batteries, remove damaged devices from circulation, and ensure retired electronics are managed responsibly.
Whether your organization has ten retired laptops or several pallets of equipment, having a documented process for handling battery-powered electronics helps reduce risk while keeping valuable materials out of the waste stream.
Looking Beyond Data Security
When people think about retiring IT equipment, the conversation usually centers on protecting sensitive data. That’s obviously an important part of the process, but it’s only one part.
Today’s devices contain batteries that require thoughtful handling throughout collection, transportation, and recycling. As organizations continue adopting more portable technology, battery safety is becoming another important piece of responsible IT asset management.
If your organization is planning an equipment refresh or reviewing its electronics disposition process, it’s worth asking a simple question: Does our current process address both data security and battery safety?
At SEAM, we help organizations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and beyond securely manage retired IT assets from collection through final processing, with a focus on protecting sensitive information while ensuring battery-containing devices are handled safely and responsibly every step of the way.
Clint Parsons is the Director of Strategy and Information at SEAM, specializing in building partnerships with businesses of all sizes. He ensures clients effectively navigate secure data destruction, responsible recycling, and maximize the resale value of their IT equipment while staying compliant with evolving regulations.