hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A technician is decommissioning a server that…
A technician is decommissioning a server that contains a lithium-ion battery backup module. The battery is not swollen but is several years old. What is the proper disposal procedure?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a battery that is not swollen is safe for regular disposal, when in fact all lithium-ion batteries require special handling due to residual energy and chemical hazards.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Discharge the battery using a proper load, then recycle it through a certified lithium battery recycler.
Lithium-ion batteries, even if not visibly swollen, degrade over time and can still pose a fire or chemical hazard if improperly disposed. The proper procedure is to safely discharge the battery using a certified load to remove residual energy, then recycle it through a certified lithium battery recycler to comply with environmental regulations and safety standards.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Remove the battery and place it in the regular trash since it is not swollen.
Why it's wrong here
Lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous waste due to their potential to ignite and release toxic chemicals, even when not visibly swollen or damaged. Disposing of them in regular trash is illegal in many jurisdictions and poses a significant fire risk in waste collection and landfill facilities. This practice contributes to environmental contamination and is contrary to responsible waste management protocols.
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Short the terminals to fully discharge the battery before disposal.
Why it's wrong here
Shorting the terminals of a lithium-ion battery is extremely dangerous and can lead to rapid, uncontrolled discharge, causing severe overheating, thermal runaway, and potential fire or explosion. This action bypasses inherent safety mechanisms and can release significant energy instantaneously, posing a serious risk of injury to the technician and damage to property. Proper discharge methods involve controlled energy dissipation, not direct short-circuiting.
- ✓
Discharge the battery using a proper load, then recycle it through a certified lithium battery recycler.
Why this is correct
Discharging the battery using a proper load safely dissipates its residual energy, significantly reducing the risk of fire or explosion during handling and transport. Subsequently, recycling it through a certified lithium battery recycler ensures that hazardous materials are processed responsibly and valuable components are recovered. This approach adheres to environmental regulations, promotes resource conservation, and is the safest industry best practice for end-of-life battery management.
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Store the battery in a metal container and return it to the manufacturer for disposal.
Why it's wrong here
While storage in a metal container is safer, returning to the manufacturer is only one option. The key is to ensure it goes to a certified recycler; the manufacturer may do that, but the technician must verify proper disposal.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Data Destruction and Disposal
Key term
Backup
A backup is a copy of computer data taken and stored separately so that the original data can be restored if it is lost, damaged, or corrupted.
Key term
Proper disposal
Proper disposal is the secure and environmentally responsible process of destroying, recycling, or discarding IT equipment and data-bearing devices to prevent data breaches and comply with regulations.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.