Help Prevent Fires: Keep Rechargeable Batteries Out of Trash and Recycling Bins

Be the reason future generations know what mattered in Decorah. Fund Decorah News today. WINNESIEK COUNTY — Rechargeable batteries are becoming increasingly common in everyday items, including phones, power tools, laptops, toys and e-bikes. But when these batteries are thrown away in trash or recycling bins, they can create a serious fire hazard. Winneshiek County Recycling is reminding residents to properly dispose of rechargeable batteries by bringing them directly to the Winneshiek County Recycling Center rather than placing them in household trash or recycling containers. When rechargeable batteries are crushed or damaged during collection or processing, they can ignite and cause fires that put employees, equipment and facilities at risk. "The batteries are a concern both at our recycling center and landfill," said Evan Neubauer of Winneshiek County Recycling. "This is partially why the recycling center accepts them for no charge." Rechargeable batteries can be dropped off at the Winneshiek County Recycling Center Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents should hand batteries directly to a member of the recycling team to ensure they are handled safely and recycled properly. The recycling center has been tracking the amount of rechargeable batteries it processes and ships for recycling. In June, the facility processed approximately 260 pounds of rechargeable batteries. "We are seeing more of them every day," Neubauer said. "We are hoping to keep educating the public on how to handle their batteries properly." "Our goal is to keep communicating this information so that it keeps folks thinking about what to do with items when they need to dispose of them," he said. Residents can help protect recycling employees, equipment and the community by keeping rechargeable batteries out of trash and recycling bins and bringing them to the Winneshiek County Recycling Center for proper disposal. Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.