If a picture is worth one thousand words, the above photo clearly tells us why you should not put household batteries – rechargeable, or otherwise – in your curbside recycling or garbage cart.
As a Sacramento County Department of Waste Management and Recycling Collection Equipment Operator was recently finishing his route in Antelope, he realized that the funny smell he noticed in the back of his truck was actually a fire!
Following department procedure, he called 911, found a safe location to dump the load, and waited for firefighters to put out the flames.
Common household batteries - such as AA, AAA, D, button batteries, lithium-ion batteries (commonly used in electronics) - are banned from landfill disposal. Do not put batteries of any kind in any of your curbside carts because of the danger they pose to spark a fire, and the danger to our environment.
Residents can drop off batteries for no charge at local area
Household Hazard Waste Facilities or visit the
Earth 911 or
Call 2 Recycle websites for other drop off locations. Local hardware stores, grocery stores and home improvement stores may have take-back programs, too. Always call before you go.
