How to properly dispose of dangerous lithium ion batteries

BRUNSWICK HILLS, Ohio (WJW) -- The Brunswick Hills Fire department on Wednesday began a campaign to help people properly and safely dispose of used lithium ion batteries.

The rechargeable batteries power virtually every new piece of lawn equipment, electric vehicles, E-bikes, power tools, cell phones, tablets and other devices.

With their growing use also comes a concern about a growing number of fires from the batteries.

The risk is great enough that the National Fire Prevention Association in October has devoted fire prevention week to educate people about the risks of fire from lithium ion batteries and how to charge and care for them properly.

Just this week, the Brunswick Hills fire department responded to a call at which a battery charger was billowing smoke, carried out of a hou