[davidflas]

My mother has a 2.0Ghz Core2Duo Macbook and the battery has swelled to the point that the computer is tilted. I've removed the battery and want to get rid of it. What's the best way to do this? Can I just take it to Best Buy since they will take computer batteries, or is this battery a safety hazard?

[P]

I would contact Apple about it.

[SierraDragon]

Try 1-800-SOS-APPL.

[Waragainstsleep]

You can usually give them to Apple and let them deal with it.

[Spheric Harlot]

Most electronics dealers, and certainly any that have a repair center, are equipped to dispose of such batteries.

[DCJ001]

I had the same thing happen to my (exactly the same model) MacBook. It was a few years out of warranty. The swollen battery was affecting the trackpad because it was swollen and hitting the trackpad.

I went to an Apple store after having made a Genius bar appointment. I handed the MacBook to the rep, with a detailed truthful story to tell about my MacBook's history. Before I could start talking, the rep said, "You've got a swollen battery. Let me get you a new one (from the store's retail shel).

He swapped out the battery, checked to ensure that the MacBook was working as it should, and he sent me on my way, a happy customer.

You should do this too.

[Geoduck]

Our recycling center takes rechargeable batteries. I've sent them several old laptop batteries over the years.

[davidflas]

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. My mother is planning on replacing her Macbook anyway as it has other issues. I just wanted to be sure that a swelling battery isn't dangerous in any way. It sounds like it can just recycle it as I would with any battery.

[Waragainstsleep]

It can be dangerous if you continue to use it. They have been known to catch fire or explode, as you might expect if it continues to swell.

[Former Genius]

Originally Posted by Waragainstsleep 

It can be dangerous if you continue to use it. They have been known to catch fire or explode, as you might expect if it continues to swell.

What lies!

No, it is not dangerous. It is normal for batteries to swell, typically after they have failed.
They are not a safety risk. They do not catch fire or explode.

There was one recall back around 2005 involving Sony-manufactured batteries that included certain PowerBooks and iBooks where there were reports for less than 1/100th of 1 percent of batteries where they caught fire. Apple had a recall for those, presumably Sony helping to re-imburse them for it.

If you're looking to get a new battery, just have the Genius Bar replace it, at a $30 discount. Then they'll take the old one. Keep in mind swollen batteries (unless it's not consumed and you're in warranrty) still have a price; the fact that it is swollen does not mean it's unsafe.

Originally Posted by davidflas 

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. My mother is planning on replacing her Macbook anyway as it has other issues. I just wanted to be sure that a swelling battery isn't dangerous in any way. It sounds like it can just recycle it as I would with any battery.

At the Apple Store they have a procedure for batteries that could be on the verge of explosion. (It would typically take a direct force onto the actual battery to cause something like that. Kids, don't take a hammer to your computer batteries.) I had inquired if swelling batteries had to be processed through the same channel; the answer is no. They are recycled just like any other. So, yes, you're correct, you can recycle it the same way any other battery can be recycled.

Or just have Apple recycle your computer and maybe get some money back. http://www.apple.com/recycling

[SierraDragon]

Originally Posted by Former Genius 

It is normal for batteries to swell, typically after they have failed. They are not a safety risk.

With all due respect I do not believe you.

I am not a battery expert but I am a photog who has used hundreds of rechargeable batteries many thousands of times. And I have had a (replaceable) Apple laptop battery swell 0.25"-0.35" and split the battery seams over a few hour time period.

A swollen laptop battery can happen very fast and literally split the seams. Given that batteries are electro-chemical devices with by-definition-active chemical reactions happening, and that battery-related fires have been reported, I do not accept that as "not a safety risk."

Swelling batteries should be safely stored in a fire-safe location until properly disposed of.

-Allen

[subego]

Originally Posted by Former Genius 

What lies!
No, it is not dangerous. It is normal for batteries to swell, typically after they have failed.
They are not a safety risk. They do not catch fire or explode.

This is incorrect, and dangerous.

Running current though a failed battery will continue to make it swell. As battery casings cannot expand indefinitely, if you continue to run a charge through it, sooner or later the casing will burst.

[King Bob On The Cob]

Originally Posted by subego 

This is incorrect, and dangerous.
Running current though a failed battery will continue to make it swell. As battery casings cannot expand indefinitely, if you continue to run a charge through it, sooner or later the casing will burst.

Yes and no. A swollen battery will have a higher resistance, which means at some point you cannot continue using that cell. At this point, the microchip in Apple's batteries will refuse to continue trying to force a charge through it (And physics says it can't continue accepting a charge unless you shove more volts into the cell, which can't be done without ruining the rest of the computer.)

Then again, you don't want to risk an error and having a fire on your hands.

[Doc HM]

Of course swelling batteries are dangerous. There are dangerous and toxic chemicals inside all batteries.

I have had several customers batteries swell up, and more than one upon removal from the Mac (which was constraining the swelling) has continued to swell and burst its seams over the course of only a few minutes.

I don't expect an actual fire is on the cards, but definately a chemical hazard. Dispose of any battery carefully and correctly.

[Waragainstsleep]

Originally Posted by Former Genius 

What lies!
No, it is not dangerous. It is normal for batteries to swell, typically after they have failed.
They are not a safety risk. They do not catch fire or explode.
There was one recall back around 2005 involving Sony-manufactured batteries that included certain PowerBooks and iBooks where there were reports for less than 1/100th of 1 percent of batteries where they caught fire. Apple had a recall for those, presumably Sony helping to re-imburse them for it.

So I'm lying when I say they have been known to catch fire or explode, but you are also aware that they have in fact caught fire and exploded?

Well if you were a genius, you certainly don't appear to be one any more.