The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding everyone that proper disposal of batteries is essential. No types of batteries should be placed in regular trash.
Improperly disposed batteries can cause fires in trash cans, on trash trucks and at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station. This applies to all batteries including:
- Dry cell and alkaline batteries
- Lithium batteries
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Nickel-cadmium batteries
- Lead acid (vehicle) batteries
- Uninterruptible power supplies (personal and network)
- Tool batteries
“How we dispose of batteries can have a big impact on our safety and environment,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “When batteries end up in the regular trash, they can cause dangerous fires in trash cans, trucks and at our facilities. That is why we are asking everyone to take a little extra care and use the proper drop-off points for battery disposal. It is a simple step that protects our community and keeps our waste systems running smoothly.”
The household hazardous waste drop-off area at the Transfer Station accepts all batteries, including alkaline batteries, for disposal. Lead acid and/or vehicle batteries can also be dropped off at no charge.
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Many retail locations accept batteries for disposal, although some may charge for disposal service.
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=45862