Battery Disposal Safety: What You Need to Know

Battery Disposal Safety: What You Need to Know

As our dependence on battery-powered devices continues to grow, so does the importance of handling batteries safely. Whether it’s from household electronics, power tools, vehicles, or even children’s toys, batteries can pose serious hazards if not properly disposed of. At the Telford Fire Company, we want to help our community stay informed, safe, and environmentally responsible.

🔋 Why Proper Battery Disposal Matters

Improper disposal of batteries can lead to:

• Fires in garbage trucks and recycling facilities

• Environmental contamination from leaking chemicals

• Injury risks to sanitation workers and the public

• Damage to property and public safety infrastructure

Even batteries that seem “dead” can retain enough charge to spark a fire under the right (or wrong) conditions.

🧯 Types of Batteries & How to Dispose of Them

1. Alkaline Batteries (AA, AAA, 9V, etc.)

• Disposal: In Pennsylvania, most can go in the regular trash, but it’s safer to tape the terminals with clear tape before disposal.

• Preferred: Drop them off at a household hazardous waste collection site if available.

2. Rechargeable Batteries (Lithium-ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, etc.)

• Devices: Found in phones, laptops, cordless tools, and cameras.

• Disposal: NEVER throw in the trash or curbside recycling.

• Take to: Designated battery recycling locations like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Staples, or municipal recycling centers.

• Important: Always tape the terminals or place each in a separate plastic bag.

3. Car Batteries (Lead-Acid)

• Hazard: Highly corrosive and flammable if mishandled.

• Disposal: Take them to an auto parts store or a hazardous waste drop-off center.

• Law: Stores that sell car batteries are required by law to accept them for recycling.

4. Button Batteries (Watches, Hearing Aids, Toys)

• Disposal: Toxic and flammable—NEVER trash. Drop off at electronics recycling or hazardous waste facilities.

• Danger: Swallowing button batteries is life-threatening, especially for children. Store safely until disposal.

5. E-Bike and Scooter Batteries

• Note: These large lithium-ion batteries have been linked to serious fires.

• Disposal: Contact the manufacturer or certified battery recycler. Never store damaged or swollen batteries at home.

🔥 Fire Hazards and Battery Storage

Here’s what we’ve seen on the front lines:

• Batteries thrown into the trash can ignite fires inside garbage trucks.

• Lithium-ion batteries stored incorrectly in garages have exploded during the summer heat.

• Improperly stored rechargeable batteries have started house fires during power outages.

Store batteries:

• In a cool, dry place

• Away from flammable materials

• With taped terminals if being stored for recycling

✅ Telford Fire Company’s Tips for Battery Safety

• Don’t toss batteries in the trash or blue recycling bin unless you’re sure it’s safe

• Label and separate used batteries in your home

• Take advantage of community hazardous waste days

• When in doubt, ask your local recycling authority or call us for guidance

Let’s work together to protect our homes, our environment, and our first responders.

Stay safe,
– The Telford Fire Company