[OKRA] Two National Associations join to address Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal Challenges

[Ellen Bussert]

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The Oklahoma Recycling Association applauds the* National Waste & Recycling
Association* and the *Solid Waste Association of North America* for
addressing concerns for proper recycling and disposal of Lithium-Ion
Batteries.  More take-back programs and easily accessible collections sites
are needed in Oklahoma.

A bill has been introduced in the Oklahoma House of Representatives this
session addressing safe collection of batteries.  The Battery Recycling and
Collection Program Act will provide Oklahomans options for safe battery
recycling.  OKRA Will be sharing more information about this bill as it
becomes available.

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   - NWRA Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2025
NWRA and SWANA Partner to Address Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal Challenges

Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and the
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) today released a joint
policy statement addressing the critical issue of lithium-ion battery
disposal. Improper disposal of these batteries presents significant safety
hazards, including fires that endanger people, property, and the waste and
recycling infrastructure.

The statement reads, “Lithium-ion batteries require special handling for
proper recycling and disposal. They should never be placed in waste or
curbside recycling bins as they can cause fires, endangering people and
waste and recycling infrastructure. The best solution is to use take-back
programs designed for safe collection and recycling. NWRA and SWANA are
committed to promoting awareness and supporting policy initiatives that
ensure proper battery disposal to protect workers, communities and the
environment.”

NWRA President and CEO Michael E. Hoffman emphasized the urgency of
addressing this growing issue: “Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries
is a pressing safety and environmental concern. At NWRA, we are committed
to raising awareness and supporting policy initiatives that promote
effective take-back programs, ensuring these batteries are safely and
responsibly disposed, with end-of-life certainty. Our partnerships with
SWANA and others, aims to protect workers, communities, and the environment
from the risks posed by these batteries.”

SWANA Executive Director and CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE,
added: “Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are one of the biggest issues
facing our industry. Municipalities often bear the cost burden of
collecting batteries and informing their residents of proper disposal
methods for batteries. SWANA seeks to support its members with raising
awareness of the fire hazards and to improve collection opportunities for
batteries. This statement with our partners at NWRA provides a clear
explanation of the issue. Our associations will use that statement as a
baseline to elevate the issue and support our advocacy.”

Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, present unique challenges
for recycling and disposal. Improper disposal can result in fires, posing
serious risks to consumers, waste and recycling workers, and critical
infrastructure. To mitigate these risks, NWRA and SWANA support effective
take-back programs with clear end-of-life certainty and public awareness
campaigns to educate consumers on safe disposal methods.

Through this collaboration, NWRA and SWANA are committed to advancing
policies and initiatives that enhance the safety and sustainability of
battery disposal. Both organizations encourage municipalities, industry
stakeholders, and the public to work together to develop and support
economically sound and responsible recycling solutions.



###

ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private
sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct
business in all 50 states and include companies that manage solid,
industrial/hazardous, medical, and construction/demolition debris waste,
and represent equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of
other professional service providers. For more information about NWRA,
please visit www.wasterecycling.org <https://wasterecycling.org/>.

ABOUT SWANA
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is an organization of
more than 10,000 public and private sector professionals committed to
advancing from solid waste management to resource management through their
shared emphasis on education, advocacy and research. For more information
about SWANA, please visit https://swana.org/.

NWRA Contact
Genevieve O’Sullivan
National Waste & Recycling Association
gosullivan at wasterecycling.org
202-731-1812

SWANA Contact
Kristyn Oldendorf
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
koldendorf at swana.org
240-494-2237
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