Throwing Away Batteries: A Hidden Danger

When it comes to getting rid of old or broken items, we often don’t think twice about tossing them in the trash. However, there’s a common culprit in many of those everyday items that can cause serious problems if not handled properly – rechargeable batteries.

Why Batteries Are a Problem

Rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, are designed to hold a high amount of energy in a small space. This makes them perfect for powering devices like smartphones, laptops, and power tools. However, it also makes them a fire hazard when damaged, crushed, or overheated.

They can quickly spark a fire when punctured or compressed.
Some rechargeable batteries can even explode.
They can be difficult to remove from devices, making it easy to forget they’re even there.

The Risks of Improper Disposal

When rechargeable batteries are thrown away with regular trash or recycling, they can cause a range of problems. These include:

Fire risks for garbage trucks, recycling centers, and landfills.
Damage to buildings and equipment.
Increased insurance costs.
Risk of injury to workers and the community.

A Solution

The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) is taking steps to educate residents about the importance of proper battery disposal. Special collection containers are now available at several community locations, making it easier than ever to recycle batteries and battery-containing devices.

Location	Container
City of Dubuque Municipal Services Center	925 Kerper Court
Carnegie-Stout Public Library	360 West 11th Street
Dubuque County Library – Asbury Branch	5290 Grand Meadow Drive
Dubuque County Library – Peosta NICC Branch	8242 NICC Drive
Dyersville City Hall	340 1st Avenue East, Dyersville
Regional Collection Center	Landfill

Recycling Batteries Properly

It’s not just about avoiding fires and risks. Recycling batteries properly also helps to protect the environment. When batteries are recycled, the materials they contain can be reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimizing waste.

“Proper battery disposal is a critical component of our overall recycling program. We want to ensure that our residents are aware of the risks associated with improper disposal and take steps to recycle their batteries correctly.” – [Name], DMASWA

A Call to Action

So what can you do to help? Here are some simple steps:

Take an extra minute to recycle batteries and battery-containing devices.
Check with your local recycling program to see if they have special collection containers for batteries.
Participate in community events and workshops to learn more about proper battery disposal.

Protect Our Community

By taking these steps, we can all play a role in protecting our community and the environment. It’s a small change that can make a big difference. So, next time you’re getting rid of an old device, remember to recycle those batteries properly. Your community will thank you.