In today’s world, people rely on electronics for entertainment, communication and monitoring their daily routine. This holiday season, you might even receive a new mobile phone, laptop or gaming system. Once these new gifts replace old ones, the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County urges residents to responsibly dispose of lithium batteries and products containing them.
Lithium batteries are among the most hazardous items that could enter the waste stream. When these batteries are disposed of irresponsibly, they will inevitably be dropped, scraped, crushed or punctured in the waste stream, causing the lithium inside to be exposed and increasing the likelihood of a fire.
When this happens inside a garbage or recycling truck or solid waste facility, the battery is surrounded by solid waste materials, which serve as fuel. Once a fire spreads, it can get out of control and burn for weeks. A fire of this type has the potential to critically disrupt Authority and municipal solid waste equipment and infrastructure.
Lithium batteries and products containing them must never be placed inside garbage or recycling carts or bins.
Lithium batteries can be found in the following products (not an exhaustive list):
- Digital cameras
- E-bikes and e-scooters
- Electric toothbrushes
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, computer peripherals, Bluetooth devices and smart wearables
- Game controllers
- Greeting cards
- Hoverboards
- Medical equipment
- Portable power packs
- Power tools
- Remote car keys
- Smoke/carbon monoxide alarms
- Toys
- Vaping devices
The SWA and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue encourage residents to be “battery smart” and “fire smart” by dropping off lithium batteries at an Authority Home Chemical & Recycling Center. Be sure to tape the terminals of lithium batteries with clear tape before you drop them off. The tape will help prevent the terminals from touching each other or metal objects, which could lead to a fire.
Note: E-bikes, e-scooters and mobility items may have large watt-hour batteries (>300W-H) that are not accepted by the Authority. We recommend contacting the manufacturer or retailer to recycle these batteries.
For the last two years, Palm Beach County has ranked number one in the state for recycling, with an 80 percent rate in 2022 and an 84 percent rate in 2023. The SWA thanks and urges residents to continue to recycle right. Together, we can keep our communities clean and green through the holidays and beyond.
Learn More: swa.org/lib
