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

South Korea Publishes List of Major Tax Delinquents: Vape Wholesaler Owes Over USD 15.5 Million
South Korea Publishes List of Major Tax Delinquents: Vape Wholesaler Owes Over USD 15.5 Million
The Korea Customs Service (KCS) has released a list of 236 habitual and large-scale customs tax delinquents with total unpaid taxes amounting to approximately USD 917 million. Among them, a vape wholesaler tops the individual list, owing about USD 15.57 million, while another vape-related company owes roughly USD 12.02 million.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California Federal Judge Signals Likely Class Certification in Juul–Altria Antitrust Case
California Federal Judge Signals Likely Class Certification in Juul–Altria Antitrust Case
U.S. District Judge William Orrick of the Northern District of California indicated on Friday that he will likely certify classes of direct and indirect purchasers accusing e-cigarette makers Juul Labs Inc. and former rival Altria Group Inc. of conspiring to limit product variety and violate antitrust laws.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoore’s Q3 Revenue Hits Record High, Reflecting Structural Growth in Global HNB and E-Vapor Markets
Smoore’s Q3 Revenue Hits Record High, Reflecting Structural Growth in Global HNB and E-Vapor Markets
Smoore posted record-high Q3 2025 revenue, driven by growth in both HNB and e-vapor segments, reflecting ongoing expansion of the global next-generation tobacco industry amid compliance and structural upgrades.
Oct.12
Alan Zhao of 2Firsts: Combustibles Still Hold Strategic Value — JTI Offers New Insight into Global Tobacco Transition
Alan Zhao of 2Firsts: Combustibles Still Hold Strategic Value — JTI Offers New Insight into Global Tobacco Transition
As reduced-risk products emerge as the industry’s inevitable future, the question of how to transition has become a defining challenge for tobacco companies. In recent years, JTI has continued to invest in the combustible segment while gradually advancing its next-generation products — a path distinct from that of PMI and BAT, yet one that offers valuable insights for other legacy tobacco companies around the world.
Sep.29
Shop owner in West Sussex convicted for illegal sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes, caught with 198 illicit e-cigarettes
Shop owner in West Sussex convicted for illegal sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes, caught with 198 illicit e-cigarettes
Shop owner in Worthing, West Sussex convicted for illegal tobacco and e-cigarette sales, will be sentenced next month.
Sep.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian Lawmaker Sounds Alarm as Teenage Vaping Surges—Female Use Overtakes Male
Russian Lawmaker Sounds Alarm as Teenage Vaping Surges—Female Use Overtakes Male
Russia’s Chair of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy warns that among 11–14-year-olds, girls now vape at higher rates than boys, a trend he calls “deeply concerning.” He says the spread of nicotine products—especially e-cigarettes—among minors poses a public health risk and warrants continued policy-level interventions.
Oct.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai