local action alert

Rechargeable Batteries: A ‘Hot Topic’

Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires if they are not disposed of properly. If they break open during the disposal process and are exposed to air, they ignite.

Every day, rechargeable batteries break open and ignite fires in solid waste processing systems and equipment (trucks, facilities, landfills) around the world. It’s happening frequently nationwide and locally.

Within a recent span of seven days, Mecklenburg County had to extinguish five separate small fires at waste facilities, all due to misplaced rechargeable batteries. In early October, a tractor-trailer-load full of materials caught fire on highway 485 resulting in a $100,000 loss.

Investigations nearly always reveal the common cause to be errantly discarded rechargeable batteries. Typical offenders are common household electronics such as appliances, toys, cell phones, vacuum cleaners, power tools, remote control toys and scooters.

Never put rechargeable batteries in the trash or recycling cart. When a rechargeable device fails or the batteries wear out, locate a proper disposal collection site in your area. Mecklenburg County residents can bring them to any Mecklenburg County Full-Service Center Household Hazardous Waste Area for disposal. These facilities are open six days each week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there is no charge for residents or site pass holders to drop off rechargeable batteries. If the battery cannot be easily removed, please bring the whole device for assistance.

Mecklenburg County Full-service recycling center locations: Foxhole Recycling Center, 17131 Lancaster Hwy., Hickory Grove Recycling Center, 8007 Pence Rd., and Compost Central and Recycling Center, 140 Valleydale Rd., in Charlotte; and North Mecklenburg Recycling Center, 12300 N. Statesville Rd., in Huntersville. For more information, email SolidWaste@ MeckNC.gov or visit www.WipeOutWaste.com. See ad, page 8.