How to Properly Dispose of Neck Coolers and Handy Fans: Mistakes Can Be Dangerous

Neck coolers (neck fans/Peltier coolers/ice rings) and handy fans have become essential items for summer. However, disposing of them incorrectly poses a significant risk of causing fires in garbage collection trucks or processing facilities. Especially for rechargeable models (with built-in lithium-ion batteries), it is essential not to mix them with non-burnable or burnable waste. Instead, they should be disposed of in the municipality's small appliance collection boxes or battery recycling (JBRC partner stores). If the battery can be removed, make sure to insulate the terminals with tape, and if there is any swelling, heating, or damage, do not disassemble it; instead, contact a specialized service. For battery-operated models, remove the batteries and follow municipal rules, while USB-powered models are generally treated as small appliances. Ice rings containing PCM should not have their contents drained into the sewage; instead, absorb them with paper and dispose of them as burnable waste (follow municipal guidelines for the outer casing). The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency have issued warnings about the increase in processing facility fires caused by improper disposal. Check your local municipality's rules (e.g., Koto Ward includes handy fans as small appliances for collection) and adhere strictly to the principle of **"batteries to batteries, appliances to small appliances."** This article explains the safe disposal procedures by type and condition, examples of what not to do, and provides a practical flow of operations, including nationwide consultation services.