Being that I replace all my kid’s new Christmas toy batteries with name brand batteries when we get them, I have an abundance of cheap batteries to get rid of safely. It is important to for make sure we do not just simply toss used batteries in the trash and make sure our new batteries remain in safe packaging. The simple truth is that a battery is essentially a simple electrical circuit that needs completion between the positive and negative terminals, which can pose a risk if a loose conductor connects the terminals. This can easily become the case if just tossed aside in someone’s “junk drawer” or toolbox. When this happens, the conductor heats up and can even catch fire! Shoot, I’ve had batteries almost catch on fire in my pocket before!
Being a rising problem for homes does not necessarily mean it is not going to happen in a truck. I happen to think it is quite the opposite and could be a greater risk on the road, as I can think of a great number of things that I bring on the road that are battery operated. A battery tossed in the drawer or cabinet in a truck is more likely to move around from road vibration, stop/starts, and turning G-forces, which might be even more of a concern.
To avoid this there are several practices that can greatly reduce your risk of accidental fire or corrosion to your batteries. You should always keep new batteries in their manufacturer-designed packaging until it is time to use them. This packaging is designed to be the safest way to store them and does not give much opportunity for accidental connection of the terminals. If you are not able to do so, consider using a piece of black electrical tape to cover and protect the terminals from coming in contact with an electrical conductor. This is especially true of 9-volt batteries, where the positive and negative posts are located right next to each other, making accidental connection even easier. Many a fire has been linked to 9-volt batteries igniting conductors like steel wool.
Although it may seem like a bit of a hassle, consider saving all used batteries for collection at a local household hazardous waste collection site, which you may utilize from time to time to dispose of other things such as used paint and e-waste recycling. Not only is this better for the environment, but it is generally the way you are supposed to dispose of them in the first place, rather than throwing them into the trash. It is typically free and can help to eliminate the risk of fire from improper disposal. Taking the extra steps to properly store and dispose of batteries could be the simple steps that save you from having your rig burn to the ground, or worse!