[OKRA] Batteries Can Spark Fires

[Ellen Bussert]

[image: image.png]

In Oklahoma, we need to get the word out about safe battery disposal.
Below is a news release from theWashington D.C.  area and their efforts to
educate the public.  Here is a link to their fact sheet on proper managing
and disposing of batteries
<https://www1.mwcog.org/dep/gorecycle/battery.html>.  What is your
community doing to educate the public about proper disposal of batteries?
Please email info at recycleok.org and let us know!



NEWS RELEASE
Fire officials, waste haulers in D.C. region urge safe battery usage and
disposal to prevent fires
May 2, 2024
[image: battery640]

Fire officials and waste haulers across the metropolitan Washington region
are imploring residents and businesses to adopt safe battery management
practices to prevent fire incidents in the home and within waste and
recycling centers. Officials gathered today to raise public awareness on
the dangers of improper battery use and disposal, as part of the
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Battery Management
Campaign.

Fire incidents resulting from device overcharging and/or improperly
disposed of batteries are on the rise. While the exact causes of fires are
not always known, local fire departments have documented several incidents
of fires linked to rechargeable batteries. Just two months ago, DC Fire and
EMS reported an electric scooter
<https://twitter.com/dcfireems/status/1762827899655045134?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1762827899655045134|twgr^b582303fb4dce78e0bf6e4d35d96f105f50085a7|twcon^s1_&ref_url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/i-couldnt-see-nothing-1-hurt-23-displaced-in-northwest-dc-%E2%80%8Bapartment-fire/3553843/>
as
the source of an apartment fire that left one person in critical condition
and dozens of others homeless.

Rechargeable batteries, including Lithium-Ions, pose a particular fire risk
when overcharged, overheated, or punctured. This creates dangerous
conditions when batteries enter the waste and recycling collection process.
A 2021 report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
<https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-08/lithium-ion-battery-report-update-7.01_508.pdf>
found
that between 2013 and 2020, 64 waste facilities across the country had
experienced 245 fires causing injuries, emergency service responses,
service disruptions, and monetary loss.

“Batteries are an everyday item for all of us—they power our lives: our
phones, watches, electric tools, and other equipment. But when their
lifecycle is over, they are simply NOT everyday trash. It’s on all of us to
keep each other safe by knowing how to safely use these items, and ensure
we dispose of batteries through the proper channels,” said Montgomery
County Hazardous Materials Battalion Chief Ivan Browning at today’s event.

The demonstration, conducted by the Fire & Risk Alliance
<https://fireriskalliance.com/>, included a live fire demonstration of a
punctured battery and a simulated overcharge of an e-bicycle.

Area officials encourage the public to follow these tips to make sure
batteries are being disposed of properly:

   - Do not throw away rechargeable batteries in trash or recycling bins.
   These batteries can overheat or get punctured or crushed causing them to
   explode which causes fires that endanger workers.
   - Rechargeable batteries NiCd, NiMh, Lithium-Ion, Button, and batteries
   greater than 9 volt must be taken to a drop-off site.
   - Small “button cell” batteries, which are found in wristwatches,
   hearing aids and calculators, contain silver oxide and mercury and must be
   recycled. If you have this type of battery replaced by a professional
   retailer, they will usually recycle the old one for you.
   - The safest methods of transporting rechargeable batteries are to place
   each battery individually into a clear plastic bag or taping the ends with
   masking tape. When carrying small batteries in your pocket, do not mix them
   with coins and house keys.

In addition to the steps above, be mindful of overcharging by unplugging
devices once they reach a full charge. Batteries powering e-bikes and
e-scooters are powerful—they should never be charged inside the home.
Instead, charge these devices in a garage or outside, and away from any
flammable materials. With all rechargeable devices, use the charger
provided by the device manufacturer and avoid using third-party charging
devices or battery packs.

Several area jurisdictions and local private waste haulers partnered with
COG to develop tips and other public education materials for the campaign.
For more information on battery management, including jurisdiction-specific
guidance, visit GoRecycle.org <http://gorecycle.org/>.
Contact: Lindsey Martin
Phone: (202) 962-3209
Email: lmartin at mwcog.org
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