The Danger of Lithium Batteries: Preventing Fires in Germany

Aug.06.2024
The Danger of Lithium Batteries: Preventing Fires in Germany
An increase in fires caused by mishandled lithium batteries in disposable e-cigarettes prompts stricter regulations in Germany's Baden-Württemberg state.

Improper handling of lithium batteries can easily cause fires, and disposable e-cigarettes frequently end up in household waste, leading to large fires erupting every day in garbage trucks and recycling facilities. According to a report by German media SWR.de on August 6, 2024, the Department of Environmental Protection in Baden-Württemberg is actively taking measures to address the issue.


The government of Baden-Württemberg is calling for a nationwide ban on the use of disposable e-cigarettes. According to the Ministry of the Environment, these e-cigarettes contain lithium-ion batteries, which are often improperly disposed of and could potentially cause fires in trash cans, garbage trucks, or disposal facilities.


In addition, the states of Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia have jointly submitted an application to the federal government to ban disposable e-cigarettes and consider implementing a deposit system for lithium and rechargeable batteries. The two state governments have long been advocating for consumers to better understand how to properly handle batteries and rechargeable batteries. Last year, a factory in Oberderdingen, Karlsruhe County, caught fire, causing millions of euros in damage. Similarly, fires caused by e-cigarettes are occurring frequently.


According to data from the German Waste Management Association, there are 30 fires every day nationwide in recycling facilities and garbage trucks, caused by improperly handled lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable batteries. This situation is relatively unknown to the public, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection has expressed concerns about it.


The Health Department of Baden-Württemberg has repeatedly called for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Health Minister Manfred Lucha believes that cheap disposable products lower the threshold for teenage smoking, leading to serious issues.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

PMI says Colorado ZYN plant build advances as first pouches hit market in 2025
PMI says Colorado ZYN plant build advances as first pouches hit market in 2025
Philip Morris International (PMI) is investing $600 million to build a ZYN nicotine pouch plant in Aurora, Colorado. While the facility is still under construction, PMI said production started in September 2025 and the first pouches made at the site have already gone to market.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The Spark of Reason| 2Firsts 2026 New Year Message
The Spark of Reason| 2Firsts 2026 New Year Message
Looking ahead to 2026, we do so with genuine anticipation. This will be a milestone year—the dawn of a new era.
Jan.01
Thailand police seize 17,320 disposable vapes valued at over USD 22,330 in Nonthaburi
Thailand police seize 17,320 disposable vapes valued at over USD 22,330 in Nonthaburi
Thai authorities arrested a 31-year-old man in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, on January 20, 2026, and seized 17,320 disposable e-cigarettes and a pickup truck. The seized goods were valued at more than THB 7 million (about USD 223,349.62).
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Launches Mass Production of ZYN at $600M Aurora Manufacturing Hub
PMI Launches Mass Production of ZYN at $600M Aurora Manufacturing Hub
Philip Morris International (PMI), through its subsidiary Swedish Match, has started large-scale production at a 600,000-square-foot ZYN nicotine pouch facility in Aurora, Colorado. The $600 million investment makes the site one of three ZYN manufacturing plants in the United States and the company’s second U.S. facility after Owensboro, Kentucky.
PMI
Feb.21
Polish Government to Amend E-Cigarette Definitions, Applying  PLN 40 Excise Tax to Magnetic-attachment Devices
Polish Government to Amend E-Cigarette Definitions, Applying PLN 40 Excise Tax to Magnetic-attachment Devices
Poland plans to amend its excise tax regulations on e-cigarettes to address a loophole created by the emergence of electromagnetic iMagnetic-attachment devices in 2025. Under the proposal, products incorporating ferromagnetic components will be classified as e-cigarettes and subject to an excise tax of PLN 40 (about USD 11.2) per unit. The revised rules are expected to take effect 14 days after promulgation.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spain’s new e-cigarette e-liquid tax, in force since April 1, raises €26 million through November
Spain’s new e-cigarette e-liquid tax, in force since April 1, raises €26 million through November
Spain’s Tax Agency monthly collection report shows the new tax on e-cigarette e-liquids, in force since April 1, raised €26 million through November, including €4 million in November. The levy began three months later than the usual fiscal timetable to allow the sector to adapt, making 2025 the first year in which vaping products are taxed under a specific category.
Dec.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai