What happens when a battery stops working or you get a new device? Here’s something super important: never throw lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash or recycling bin! These batteries can start fires in garbage trucks and recycling centers.

So what should you do instead? Take old batteries and devices to a special battery recycling location. These places know how to handle batteries safely, and they can recycle the materials inside to make new products. That’s good for staying safe AND good for our planet!

You can visit call2recycle.org with your parents to find a recycling location near you. Many stores that sell electronics also have drop-off boxes where you can leave old batteries and devices.

If you notice a battery smelling weird, getting very hot, making strange noises, or changing shape or color, tell an adult right away. Don’t touch it! If it’s safe to do so, an adult should move it away from anything that can burn and call 9-1-1.

Taking care of our batteries from start to finish helps keep everyone safe. Remember: Buy listed, Charge safely, and Recycle responsibly!

For more information, please reach out to:

Al McDermott
Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction
608-835-5587 x1500