COLUMBIA, S.C. — Rechargeable batteries are in almost every type of electronic device on the market today -- from smartphones and tablets, to power tools and electronic tooth brushes. Eventually, these batteries do fade, no longer holding a charge, and must be disposed of properly.
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) estimates that lithium-ion batteries improperly tossed in household trash bins or in household recyclables are responsible for an estimated 5,000 fires at recycling facilities. The number of fires at these facilities has increased as the use of lithium-ion batteries grows.
“Batteries are a routine part of our everyday lives, which is why it’s so important for everyone to understand that they need to be properly handled and recycled in order to limit the potential harm they can cause to people and the environment,” said SCDES Interim Director Myra Reece. “Rechargeable batteries should not be placed in garbage or recycling containers – doing so could put sanitation workers, solid waste professionals, firefighters and others in danger.”
Do you have old lithium-ion batteries at your home or workshop that you need to dispose of? SCDES and the state chapter of Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) are joining to remind the public of the dangers of improperly disposing of rechargeable batteries, and SCDES is partnering with Redwood Materials for a rechargeable battery drop-off event on Thursday, Sept. 19
Bring your lithium-ion battery and rechargeable devices to the front lobby of SCDES, 2600 Bull St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Items that will be accepted include smartphones, tablets, electric toothbrushes, laptops, power tool batteries, rechargeable vacuum batteries, wireless headphones, and any other lithium-ion battery to be properly recycled. For loose lithium-ion or nickel-metal-hydride batteries, please tape both ends of the battery. Please remember to remove all personal data from devices prior to drop-off.
