This week, there were fires within two NYC recycling facilities. Both fires were caused by Lithium Batteries that were disposed of by private haulers. While the loads were dumped inside the facility, the stored energy was released from the batteries and immediately ignited a fire. Thankfully, at one facility, their fire detection system was immediately engaged and the fire was extinguished. The other facility was not as fortunate and quickly rose to a 3-alarm fire causing damage to the facility.

The Waste Industry continues to be challenged by the incorrect handling of Lithium Batteries. Our employees’ lives are put in danger, and our trucks are compromised because of the improper disposal of these batteries. Improper disposal of Lithium Batteries continues to occur in residential as well as commercial disposal, and often the workers are unable to identify batteries in the waste stream until they ignite and start to smoke. We ask for your cooperation in communicating the hazards and proper disposal of Lithium Batteries with your employees.

Here are some basic facts to know about Lithium Batteries:

• Batteries must be stored in moderate conditions as they are known for their sensitivity to extreme heat and extreme cold.

• Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Batteries and devices containing these batteries should not go in household or commercial trash or recycling bins. They can cause fires during transport, at Transfer Stations, Landfills and Recycling facilities. Instead, Lithium-ion Batteries should be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points.

• In the case of small lithium-ion batteries used in PCs, smartphones, digital cameras, and other mobile devices, you must remove the battery from its compartment, cover its contents with plastic or insulating tape, and take it to any store that cooperates with the disposal of industrial waste such as electrical appliances.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us communicate the serious threat Lithium Batteries put on the collectors and communities.

Appreciatively,

Michael J Cristina

Director of Safety

To read the full version of this press release, click here.