Trash Smart, Stay Safe: The Lithium Battery Reminder We All Need Lithium batteries power many of the items we use every day, but they also pose a serious risk when thrown into the regular household trash. When crushed, punctured, or exposed to heat inside a landfill or garbage truck, these batteries can spark fires that endanger workers, damage equipment, and harm the environment. By: Orange County Communications Department
That’s why it’s essential to dispose of lithium batteries properly. You can find locations that accept lithium batteries near you at firerover.com/swana-partnership . Before you toss anything, check whether it contains a rechargeable lithium battery, removable or built ‑ in, and keep it out of the regular trash bin.
By taking a few extra minutes to recycle lithium ‑ powered items responsibly, you help prevent fires, protect waste ‑ management staff, and keep hazardous materials out of our landfill.
How to Tell if an Item Contains a Lithium Battery
It’s not always obvious, but there are a few easy ways to check whether a device uses a lithium battery:
• Look for labels . Most products with lithium batteries are marked with terms like “Li-ion,” “Lithium-ion,” “Li ‑ poly,” or “Rechargeable Lithium.” Some may also show a battery icon with the word “Li.” • Check the product manual or packaging. Electronics and rechargeable devices almost always list the battery type in the specifications. • If it’s rechargeable, assume it’s lithium. Nearly all modern rechargeable devices, from earbuds to power tools, use lithium-ion batteries rather than older nickel ‑ cadmium or lead ‑ acid types. • Inspect the battery (if removable). Many removable batteries have the chemistry printed directly on them. If it says “Li-ion,” “Lithium,” or “LiPo,” it should NOT go in the trash. • Ask yourself: Is it a modern electronic device? Phones, tablets, laptops, smart accessories, medical devices, solar equipment, and electric vehicles all commonly contain lithium batteries.
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