Storing coin and button cells

Keep small batteries secured, separated from conductive objects and inaccessible to children.

Reviewed
2026-08-09
Sources
2
Reading time
4 minutes

Keep packaging intact

Original child-resistant packaging preserves identification and reduces the chance of loose cells being swallowed or short-circuited.

Separate the terminals

Do not carry loose batteries with keys, coins or other metal objects. Keep removed cells in a nonconductive container.

Act immediately after ingestion

A swallowed or inserted coin cell is an urgent emergency. Follow local emergency and poison-control guidance immediately.

Decision boundary

This guide narrows a battery decision but does not override the device manufacturer’s current manual or safety instructions.

Sources

  1. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Button Cell and Coin Battery Safety

    Coin-cell ingestion and household handling safety boundary.

  2. Energizer — Battery Replacement Guide

    Cross-reference codes and manufacturer guidance to replace the same size and type together.