Expanding Iphone battery

[Lotobear]

My old Iphone decided to expand it's battery and eventually split the case open. I've bought a 'new' one from Back Market and fully discharged the battery in my old one. Battery now looks like a cushion.

The question now is WTF to do with it? How do I get rid?

Many have informed my I'm seconds form death even if I dare to look at it but no one seems to be able to tell me what to do with it.

Can I snip off the battery and get shot of just that - the phone is no use to me but I don't want to put it in the bin in case there is data on it that could be retrieved by nefarious persons.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

It can't be retrieved by someone due to cryptographic reasons.

Unless your unlock code is 1234

[bangerhoarder]

Ideally, you'd get enough charge in it to do a factory reset of the phone. That may mean charging it outside on the drive! If it catches fire, your data will definitely be safely incinerated. If not, you can wipe it from the OS.

[Xenoous]

Expanded batteries are obviously not good, however it shouldn't spontaneously combust for no reason. Don't poke it, drop it, charge it and it should be fine. You can recycle them at locations throughout the UK. You'll have something close to you. Check here: https://www.takecharge.org.uk/

Edit, I see you mean the battery is still in the phone! If you can, take it out and recycle. Phone you might have to recycle separately via a proper data destruction company if needed.

[Mr E]

I’d charge it (outside or in the shed in a tin box), factory reset the phone and then recycle as WEEE

Highly unlikely the cell will do anything nasty, but obviously take precautions.

[Griffith4ever]

put it on the patio - poke the battery with a pointy stick The battery will either a) do nothing at all and deflate b) vent some gas and/or/flames. What it won't do is c) "explode".

I've got rid of puffed lipos like this (much bigger). Popped them, then put them in a bucket of water once thay've done nothing for half an hour.

[dhutch]

Chuck it on a bonfire?

Or speak to your local council, as you can likely take it down to the tip.
Ours will for instance accept mercury if suitable bagged.