COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Bright Spotlight on Battery Disposal Safety
Have you ever taken a moment to consider what’s happening with all those rechargeable batteries that power our everyday gadgets? From our beloved smartphones and tablets to those handy power tools and even electronic toothbrushes, these little powerhouses are everywhere! But just like all good things, they eventually run out of juice and need to be thrown away. That’s where things can get a little hairy.
According to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), improperly tossing out lithium-ion batteries can lead to some serious problems. Did you know that these mismanaged batteries are responsible for about 5,000 fires at recycling facilities each year? Yikes! It’s a growing concern, especially as our love for lithium-ion batteries continues to rise.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Myra Reece, the interim director of SCDES, has emphasized the importance of understanding how to handle these batteries correctly. She stated, “Batteries are a routine part of our everyday lives, which is why it’s so important for everyone to understand that they need to be properly handled and recycled in order to limit the potential harm they can cause to people and the environment.” After all, nobody wants to put sanitation workers, solid waste professionals, or firefighters at risk, right?
If you’ve got old lithium-ion batteries hanging around your home or workshop, you might be scratching your head, wondering what to do with them. Luckily, help is on the way! The SCDES and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) are working together to remind everyone of the risks linked to improper disposal of these batteries.
Join the Drop-Off Event!
Mark your calendars for a fantastic opportunity! On Thursday, September 19, the SCDES is partnering with Redwood Materials for a special rechargeable battery drop-off event. It’s happening at the front lobby of SCDES, located at 2600 Bull St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. It’s an easy and safe way to make sure your batteries are disposed of properly!
So, what can you bring? The list includes all kinds of rechargeable devices like smartphones, tablets, electric toothbrushes, laptops, power tool batteries, rechargeable vacuum batteries, and even wireless headphones. If you’ve got loose lithium-ion or nickel-metal-hydride batteries, super important tip: please tape both ends of them before dropping them off.
Don’t Forget About Your Data!
Before you head out to drop off your old devices, don’t forget to remove all personal data from them. It’s always a good practice to make sure your information stays safe and sound. After all, safety and privacy go hand in hand!
As we continue to incorporate more rechargeable batteries into our lives, let’s ensure we are also being responsible with how we dispose of them. Remember, proper disposal isn’t just about keeping our environment clean; it’s about keeping our communities safe, too. Together, we can help prevent those alarming fire risks and keep our recycling facilities safe for everyone who works there.
So why not gather up those old batteries lying around your home and take a little trip to the SCDES drop-off event? It’s a fantastic opportunity to do something good for both yourself and the environment. Let’s all do our part to promote safe disposal practices!
