Hey everyone! I recently ran over my Pixel 6, and now it smells like chemicals and feels really hot. I've taken it outside to keep it away from my house, but with rain coming, I'm worried about what to do next. The battery was at about 25% when it got smashed, and the damage is extensive. How can I safely prevent a fire? And what's the best way to dispose of the phone since I don't need it anymore?
4 Answers
It might be a good idea to reach out to your local non-emergency fire department. They can give you specific guidance on how to handle this situation safely.
If you really want to ensure safety, you could break the battery into pieces using a shovel. It's small and without a container, so you should be okay outside. After that, let it cool down and recycle it. Alternatively, a saltwater bath can drain the battery safely, although that's more of a hassle.
Keep it outside for now, ideally in a bucket of sand if you have one. That can help contain any potential fire hazard and it's better to be safe than sorry!
I had a similar experience with a phone with a bulging battery, and I just left it in a pot filled with soil. It's still out there, haha!
Check for electronics recyclers near you. Many places like Best Buy do recycling, but specialized electronics recyclers are usually better for damaged devices like yours. And definitely keep it outside until you can dispose of it properly. If you smell chemicals, it means the battery is probably punctured—it could catch fire, so stay cautious and keep it away from anything flammable!
I can't call them right now since my new phone is arriving tomorrow, but I can drive it over. Thanks for the tip!