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

Philippine DOH Calls for Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Surging Youth Use
Philippine DOH Calls for Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Surging Youth Use
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has warned that youth vaping has reached alarming levels. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa stressed that despite regulations limiting vaping to adults aged 18 and above, minors—many in school uniforms—are frequently seen using vape devices. Criticizing the industry’s youth-targeted marketing tactics, Herbosa said the government should consider a nationwide total ban on vape products.
Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
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
2Firsts Observation|VELO at Stockholm Arlanda: Travel-Centric Messaging and Full-Line Flavour Presentation
2Firsts Observation|VELO at Stockholm Arlanda: Travel-Centric Messaging and Full-Line Flavour Presentation
2Firsts observed at Stockholm Arlanda Airport that British American Tobacco’s VELO positions the airport environment as a core marketing scenario, deploying large-format LED displays, a full flavour matrix, and clear nicotine-strength segmentation. The brand also features an instructional “How to Use VELO” section and multi-pack sales strategy, showcasing its systematic merchandising capabilities in the Nordic travel-retail channel.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Multiple E-Cigarette Companies Donate to Support Hong Kong Tai Po Fire Relief (List Updating)
Multiple E-Cigarette Companies Donate to Support Hong Kong Tai Po Fire Relief (List Updating)
Following the fire at Hong Kong’s Tai Po Kwong Fuk Estate, several e-cigarette companies have announced donations for relief and recovery. Current contributions include SMOORE (HKD 5 million), ZINWI Bio (RMB 200,000), Heaven Gifts & GEEKVAPE (HKD 3 million), ALD (RMB 1 million), and OXVA (HKD 500,000). The list is being updated.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Rise to USD 1.098 Billion in October 2025, Up 23.7% Year-on-Year as U.S. Demand Surges
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Rise to USD 1.098 Billion in October 2025, Up 23.7% Year-on-Year as U.S. Demand Surges
China’s e-cigarette exports reached USD 1.098 billion in October 2025, rising 24.8% month-on-month and 23.7% year-on-year, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs of China. Export concentration increased to 83.11%, with the U.S. market contributing the largest share of monthly growth.
Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria and NJOY Sue ITC, Claim Judge Appointment Process Is Unconstitutional
Altria and NJOY Sue ITC, Claim Judge Appointment Process Is Unconstitutional
Altria Group and its NJOY subsidiary have filed a lawsuit in Virginia federal court challenging the U.S. International Trade Commission’s process for appointing administrative law judges. The companies allege the system violates the U.S. Constitution and seek to halt an ITC patent investigation initiated by rival Juul.
Nov.10