The Danger of Lithium Batteries: Preventing Fires in Germany

Aug.06.2024

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.

References:

[1] Vapes landen immer wieder im Hausmüll und verursachen jeden Tag Brände. Kommt demnächst ein Verbot?

#Europe #Legislation #Disposable e-cigarettes #Germany

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

Lithuanian Schools Install Vape Detectors as Teen Vaping Surges

Over 30 Lithuanian schools have installed smart vape detectors to curb rising teen e-cigarette use. WHO data show Lithuania ranks worst among 44 countries, with 60% of 15-year-olds having tried vaping. The system alerts staff to smoke and noise changes, helping schools reduce on-campus vaping cases.

Oct.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Altria Q3 2025 Earnings Report: Net Revenue of $6.072 Billion and Launch of on!PLUS in the U.S.

Altria reported Q3 2025 net revenue of $6.072 billion, a 3.0% year-on-year decline. Adjusted EPS increased 3.6% to $1.45. The company expanded its share repurchase program to $2 billion and launched the on!PLUS nicotine pouch in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.

Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Number of Vapers in Britain Surpasses Smokers for the First Time, Government Tightens Nicotine Regulations

For the first time, more people in Britain now vape than smoke. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 10% of adults (5.4 million) regularly use e-cigarettes compared with 9.1% (4.9 million) who smoke cigarettes. The government credits vaping for the decline in smoking but plans tougher rules through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including a generational smoking ban and restrictions on nicotine pouch flavours, packaging, and sales.

Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philip Morris International and an Italian Design Brand Launch Limited-Edition IQOS Collaboration, Debuting in Japan Before Expanding to 13 Travel Retail Markets

Philip Morris International (PMI) has partnered with Italian design brand Seletti on a limited-edition IQOS collaboration, unveiled at Milan’s Pirelli HangarBicocca. The collection features two models, launching first in Japan before rolling out to 13 global travel retail markets. PMI says the partnership leverages design and cultural storytelling to advance its smoke-free transition.