September 25, 2025
In industrial environments, batteries are often stored wherever there’s space - back rooms, tool cribs, shelving, even floor space near shipping docks. Over time, these overlooked piles can become a serious threat to safety and compliance.
At Vesco Clean Energy, we work with businesses that use large-format and high-powered batteries, and we’ve seen how easily poor storage practices can create costly problems. If your facility handles lithium-ion, lead-acid, or other industrial battery types, it’s important to understand the risks that come with storing them the wrong way.
A damaged or improperly stored battery doesn’t always give a warning before it causes harm. In many cases, all it takes is pressure, heat, or contact with another battery to trigger a fire. When stored in bulk or near flammable materials, a small ignition source can quickly lead to something much worse.
Fires caused by battery storage issues aren’t rare. They often occur because batteries are stacked improperly, stored too long, or placed in environments where heat and humidity accelerate degradation. Swollen casings, exposed terminals, or visible damage should always be taken seriously.
We regularly help clients clear out aging or unsafe battery stock before these risks become incidents. It’s not just about reacting to visible damage; it’s about keeping unsafe conditions from forming in the first place.
Many businesses don’t realize they’ve crossed into regulated territory when it comes to used or surplus batteries. Depending on battery chemistry, quantity, and condition, local and federal rules may apply. These can include EPA hazardous waste regulations and Department of Transportation (DOT) shipping and storage requirements.
If batteries are not properly labeled, stored in approved containers, or moved within allowed timeframes, a routine inspection can turn into a violation. Fines for improper storage, even without an incident, can be significant.
We help companies avoid these outcomes by reviewing storage procedures, identifying potential violations, and handling safe removal when needed. We also manage the transport and documentation so your team doesn’t have to worry about missteps during an audit or inspection.
Unorganized battery storage creates more than safety and compliance issues. It also affects efficiency. Facilities lose track of inventory, don’t know which batteries are usable, and often order replacements they may not need. Maintenance and safety teams waste time sorting through bins or trying to decide what can be kept and what needs to go.
By moving inactive batteries into managed storage, or having them picked up entirely, you reduce clutter and improve oversight. Our customers often find that once batteries are handled properly, other parts of their operation start to move more smoothly as well.
Most battery-related incidents we see could have been avoided with better storage and removal practices. The solution isn’t complicated. It just requires a clear process and a partner that knows what to look for.
Vesco Clean Energy helps businesses create safe, compliant battery storage programs. We offer on-site assessments, help identify problem areas, and manage removal and recycling in accordance with all relevant regulations. If you’re not sure what’s in your storage room—or how long it’s been there—it’s time to take a closer look.
Contact us to schedule a conversation.