Saturday, April 27, 2024

Battery Recycling Program

BATTERY RECYCLING PROGRAM FLYER

BATTERIES SHOULD NOT BE THROWN INTO THE TRASH OR RECYCLING BINS!
Batteries are a fire hazard from collections, to transportation, and in the waste/recycling facilities.
The two landfill fires in June 2023 were suspected to be caused by Lithium Batteries. There has been many near-missed recycling MRF fires throughout the year. We have been witnessing an increase in batteries coming into the recycling. The battery issue affects the entire waste and recycling industry.

Battery related fires, especially from rechargeable types, will continue to grow. We are looking to prevent future harm and damage. Please help spread the word to not throw away these items.

FREE & PROPER DISPOSAL:
1. LCRMS - 447 Alexander Drive, Montgomery PA. Proceed to scalehouse to notify the weighmaster what you have. There is no charge. List of acceptable batteries below.
2. Staples - Accepts Rechargeable Batteries
3. Lowes -  Accepts Rechargeable Batteries
4. Visit Call2Recycle.org - for other participating locations

LCRMS ACCEPTS THE FOLLOWING BATTERIES:
1. Alkaline batteries - AA, AAA, C, D, etc.
2. Lithium Batteries - rechargeable and non-rechargeable (includes drills batteries, laptop batteries, cell button batteries, etc.)
3. Nickel Cadmium (Ni-CD)
4. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
5. Lead acid (Pb) car batteries & Jump Starter Packs
6. Battery Containing Units* (items that the battery cannot be taken out, includes electric toothbrushes and other smaller household battery rechargeable items)
  *DOES NOT INCLUDE vapes or Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries
7. Damaged/Broken/Swollen batteries - call LCRMS for instructions (if off hours- put in damaged battery into a container filled with sand or vermiculite) 

HOW TO HANDLE BATTERIES AT HOME:
1. Tape the terminals (shiny parts) of the battery with packing tape or clear tape
2. Keep in dry/cool area
3. Do not store longer than one year
4. Take batteries to participating location, like our facility, Staples, or Lowes
5. If battery is damaged/swollen, do not store. Contact for instructions (if off hours- put in damaged battery into a container filled with sand or vermiculite) 

Recycling Fire day after Christmas
Recycling employee spotted smoke coming from recycling mix and reacted quickly. He used the loader to move the smoke area outside of the recycling facility. If this went unnoticed, the entire building could have been lost to fire and smoke damage. Fire caused by battery operated toy that was put into recycling.


Landfill Fire - June 3 & 7, 2023
Two landfill fires occurred in June 2023, presumably caused by lithium batteries. 


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