Although lithium-ion batteries are highly efficient and rechargeable, their design contains flammable materials that can be dangerous when damaged or improperly handled. In waste management facilities, crushed, punctured, or shorted batteries can ignite, causing fires that can eliminate workers and nearby communities and are difficult to contain.
Adding to the complexity, many consumers remain unaware of the dangers associated with tossing these batteries into regular garbage or recycling streams. Municipalities often bear the brunt of the problem, facing increased costs for fire prevention, cleanup, and public education campaigns.
“Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are one of the biggest problems facing our industry,” said Amy Lestition Burke, Swana’s executive director and CEO. “Municipalities often bear the cost burden of collecting batteries and informing residents how to properly dispose of them. We aim to improve collection opportunities.”
