Help for a Malfunctioning Battery – Use the Blue Battery Buckets
Beginning Fall Semester, 2025, the University will provide Blue Battery Buckets, partially filled with sand to temporarily contain malfunctioning batteries. If a battery—regardless of size—is leaking, overheating, swelling, or emitting a burning smell, follow these steps:
- Place the battery in a Blue Battery Bucket and place the lid on top.
- Set the Blue Battery Bucket slightly outside the building.
- Call the number listed on the bucket to report its location.
- A police officer will collect the bucket and relocate it to a safe area.
Where to Find Blue Battery Buckets on Campus:
- The main desks in the Woods and the Quad
- The Cohodas EAN office
- Outside the Library
- The Helpdesk
- Labs using lithium batteries
- Other doorways across campus
Lithium Batteries in University Housing
Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries power many devices, including laptops, smartphones, and power banks. While efficient, these batteries pose fire and safety risks if mishandled, especially in confined University housing spaces.
What Kinds of Lithium Batteries Are Allowed in University Housing?
✅ Allowed:
- Manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries for laptops, cell phones, fitness trackers, small power tools, small drones, and pocket-sized devices.
❌ Not Allowed:
- Large-capacity lithium batteries (over 300 watt-hours (Wh)) may not be charged, stored, or kept indoors at University housing locations. You may charge them at one of the University’s outdoor charging stations.
A note about watt-hours (Wh) versus milliamp-hours (mAh): Some devices, especially drones, use milliamp-hours rather than watt-hours. You can convert between mAh and Wh using the following formula: Wh = (mAh * Voltage) / 1000. For example, a 10,000 mAh battery at 3.7V is equivalent to 37 Wh (10000 * 3.7 / 1000 = 37). So, using 12 V as a default voltage if one is not specified, 300 watt-hours is 25000 mAh.
⚡ Where to Charge Large Lithium Batteries – the Outdoor Charging Stations
If you own a large-capacity lithium battery, use a designated outdoor charging station, located:
- Near the Quad entrance to Northern Lights Dining, on the north side of the Woods (near the bike rack)
- Near the conference entrance of the Northern Center
Where to Store Large Lithium Batteries on Campus
Students may store large lithium batteries (at or over 300 Wh) in:
- Outdoor areas
- Personal vehicles
- A dedicated storage shed maintained by NMU Safety
📧To request access to the storage shed, email safety@nmu.edu.
Lithium Battery Safety Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of battery-related hazards:
✅ Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries.
✅Keep batteries away from flammable materials.
✅Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces—never on beds or couches.
✅Store batteries away from heat sources, including direct sunlight.
✅Unplug devices once fully charged.
✅Check batteries for swelling, leaks, or unusual heat.
✅Dispose of batteries at a recycling center.
In the U.P., see recycle906.com for disposal instructions and drop-off dates.
❌ Do not charge e-bikes or large lithium-powered battery devices in University housing.
❌ Do not throw lithium batteries in the trash.
If you notice any battery overheating, swelling, leaking, or emitting a burning smell, stop using it immediately and seek assistance. Use one of the Blue Battery Buckets and call the number on the bucket or 906 227-2151.
Why Are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
- Fire and Explosion Risk
- Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged, overcharged, or improperly stored.
- Lithium fires spread quickly.
- Lithium fires are difficult to contain because lithium salts are self-oxidizing, meaning they generate their own oxygen and cannot be “starved out” like traditional fires. They burn hotter and faster, requiring special extinguishing methods and prolonged cooling and monitoring.
- Overcharging & Physical Damage Risks
- Leaving devices plugged in overnight, unattended, or using low-quality, third-party chargers can lead to overheating.
- Dropping, puncturing, or exposing batteries to extreme temperatures can make them unstable and hazardous.
- Large Device Charging Risks
- Devices like e-bikes, electric scooters, and hoverboards use high-capacity lithium batteries.
- These batteries can enter thermal runaway—a chain reaction that leads to fires.
Stay Informed. Stay Safe.
By understanding the risks and following safety precautions, students can keep their living spaces on and off campus safe while using lithium-powered technology responsibly.