Anker offers affected users a choice between a $30 gift card, redeemable on Anker.com (the battery retailed for about $27), or a complimentary 10,000mAh Anker power bank (model A1388) as a replacement. This model comes with enhancements like a charge level display and a USB-C charging cable lanyard.

To claim the gift card or replacement, Anker requires a “photo of the power bank with the date of submission and the word ‘recall’ or ‘recalled’ clearly written in permanent marker.” Additionally, a “photo showing the model number and serial number (SN) on the bottom of the device” is needed. While a purchase receipt is requested, it is not a requirement to be part of the recall.

After confirming that your power bank is one of the recalled units, Anker says it should be taken to a facility that can safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries due to the risk of fire. Those facilities can be found through the Environmental Protection Agency’s website or other organizations in the US that specialize in processing e-waste. Do not throw them in the trash, recycling bins, or used battery boxes provided at various retail locations.

The recall is also a reminder that power banks and backup batteries can potentially develop severe issues over time, as these particular units are almost a decade old. If you’ve been regularly using devices featuring lithium-ion batteries for a while, you’ll want to be mindful of issues like overheating or visible swelling and dispose of them properly if you think there’s a potential problem. And while the technology is currently more expensive than lithium-ion batteries, you can also consider upgrading to solid-state batteries which are more powerful, safer, and longer lasting than what we commonly use now to power our devices.