If you find a Kyocera 7135 phone or spare battery, begin with the battery's identifiers and the original CPSC recall. An old deadline in a notice does not resolve the status of an affected battery found today.
A visibly damaged, hot, leaking, swollen, or smoking battery needs handling advice appropriate to its condition. Do not charge an old battery to see whether it works. If there is smoke, fire, or immediate danger, move away and contact emergency services from safety.
The historical recall
The CPSC notice of January 23, 2004, recall 04-068, covered about 140,000 batteries for Kyocera model 7135 smartphones. CPSC described a short-circuit hazard that could produce excessive heat or forceful rupture, and reported four failures including one minor burn injury.
The notice identifies batteries bearing the red-and-white Kyocera name and a product code ending in -05 on the underside. It covers phones and separately sold batteries during the stated September–December 2003 sales period. Use the official photographs and complete description when comparing an item.
The announced remedy was replacement, with instructions to stop using the recalled battery. Its February 6 contact deadline belonged to the 2004 rollout. This guide does not establish that a replacement program or historical telephone number remains operational.
Make an identification record
- Record the phone model and any battery labeling that can be read safely.
- Compare the battery's code with the CPSC description; the phone's appearance alone is insufficient.
- Save photographs without opening a sealed battery or forcing a swollen component out of the phone.
- Note whether the item is intact, damaged, still installed, or of uncertain condition.
- Keep the recall number and the next contact's advice with the record.
If a label is missing or unreadable, describe that uncertainty to the manufacturer or the receiving household hazardous-waste program. A missing code cannot certify that the battery is outside the recall. Likewise, a matching brand alone cannot establish that it is included.
Choose the next contact by the problem
On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways. Keyboard users can focus the table region and use the arrow keys.
| Question | Useful contact or source |
|---|---|
| Does this match the recall? | The official CPSC description and manufacturer support, using photographs and identifiers. |
| Is any remedy available now? | The responsible manufacturer; obtain a current answer before relying on the historical offer. |
| Where can an intact unwanted item go? | A suitable electronics or battery collection service that confirms acceptance. |
| What about a damaged or recalled battery? | Manufacturer or local household hazardous-waste staff, told explicitly about its status before transport. |
Arrange disposal before transporting it
EPA advises keeping lithium-ion batteries out of household trash and municipal recycling bins. It directs consumers to appropriate recycling or household hazardous-waste services and recommends manufacturer-specific advice for damaged batteries. Collection arrangements for an ordinary used battery may differ from those for a damaged or recalled one.
For ordinary intact batteries, EPA describes protecting terminals with nonconductive tape and separating batteries or devices in individual bags. For a damaged or recalled item, first obtain instructions from the receiving program about preparation, packaging, acceptance, and transport. Do not put it into an unattended collection box or mail it under assumptions meant for ordinary batteries.
The EPA page also links to Department of Transportation guidance for damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries. Retain the receiving facility's instructions and confirmation so the next person handling the item understands its status.
For travel packing, consult the separate airline passenger safety guide and current FAA and airline battery instructions.