In the past month, Rumpke has experienced more than a dozen fires.
These fires posed a serious risk to first responders, the Rumpke team and the public. Almost all these events were caused by lithium-ion batteries improperly placed in the trash and recycling.
Many stores, including Staples and Batteries Bulbs Plus, accept batteries for proper disposal. Additionally, several regional fire departments have battery collections (Firehouse Battery Collection). Contact your solid waste district for options near you.
As a reminder, batteries are not accepted in trash or recycling programs.
Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Everywhere:
- Electronics: Smartphones, laptops, tablets, wireless headphones, speakers, cameras, remote controls, vapes
- Small Appliances & Power Tools: Cordless vacuums, electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, power tools (drills, saws, etc.)
- Portable Devices: Portable battery packs, rechargeable hand warmers, rechargeable fans, wireless charging stations
- Other: E-bikes and scooters, remote-controlled cars, drones or toys, air compressors, greeting cards with sound, talking toys, rechargeable toys
As summer celebrations continue, please help protect workers and first responders by following these guidelines:
- Batteries shouldn’t be placed in curbside containers – ever! They easily ignite and explode when compacted in the truck.
- Empty Propane Tanks should never go in the trash or recycling. Take empty tanks back to stores to be refilled.
- Charcoal Embers and Fireworks should be thoroughly soaked in water prior to placing them in the garbage. Never throw away unused fireworks, contact your local fire department for proper disposal.
- Pool Chemicals are highly reactive, generate extreme temperatures and release toxic vapors if improperly handled or stored. Don’t place pool chemicals in the trash or recycling. Contact your solid waste district for disposal options.
Resources For Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal:
- Call2recycle.org
- Search.earth911.com
- Contact your local government or hardware stores