Batteries make our lives easier, but if they’re not handled correctly, they can be dangerous. Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, and Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties are partnering to educate residents about how and why batteries can be a fire risk.
When they end up in trash or recycling, batteries can be punctured or crushed, which can cause them to catch fire or explode. Some batteries also contain toxic metals, such as cadmium, lead or mercury, which can be bad for peoples’ health and the environment.
As more and more of our electronics are battery-powered, battery fires are on the rise in recycling centers and waste facilities. These put workers’ lives and health at risk, and can cause millions of dollars in damage.
Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties developed the Be a Battery Hero! campaign to raise awareness of the hazards of batteries and encourage proper disposal. The campaign shows batteries as mischievous characters that could cause harm at the end of their use. Residents are encouraged to “Be a Battery Hero!’ by keeping all batteries out of the trash and recycling, and instead bringing them to a county drop-off facility or other drop-off location.
All three counties accept all types of batteries at their drop-off sites for safe disposal. More information on battery disposal in each county:
- Hennepin County: hennepin.us/batteryrecycling
- Ramsey County: RamseyRecycles.com/HHW
- Washington County: co.washington.mn.us/batteries