DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 16, 2021) — Rechargeable batteries have created fires at the Waste Commission of Scott County facilities. Keep rechargeable batteries out of your garbage and recycling carts, and drop them off for proper disposal, instead.
Rechargeable batteries — those often found inside electronics such as laptops, cell-phones, and power-tools — have been blamed for numerous fires at recycling centers and landfills across the United States. The Scott Area Recycling Center has experienced small fires from rechargeable batteries placed in curbside recycling and the Scott Area Landfill is seeing more fires emerge onsite from improper disposal of rechargeable batteries. These preventable fires can damage public and private property, harm workers and the environment, and can even cause loss of life.
For these reasons and to educate during National Battery Day on February 18, the Waste Commission of Scott County is urging residents and businesses to keep these types of batteries out of the garbage and recycling containers, where they can become damaged and catch fire, quickly igniting large quantities of refuse.
Instead, rechargeable batteries should be dropped off for proper disposal at the Electronics Recovery Center, 5650 Carey Ave, Davenport. There is no cost for residents of Scott and Rock Island counties, and no appointments are necessary. Businesses may drop off batteries for a small fee. Alkaline (non-rechargeable) batteries are considered trash and should be thrown away. Help lead the charge for responsible battery recycling and disposal.
“We provide a convenient and responsible solution for disposing of potentially hazardous batteries, and we urge everyone to use it for the health and safety of our community,” said Commission Executive Director Kathy Morris.
The Electronics Recovery Center is open from 7:30AM-4PM, Monday through Friday, and 8AM-12PM the first Saturday of each month. No appointment is necessary, and there is no charge for residents of Scott and Rock Island Counties.
Not sure how to dispose of something? Visit www.wastecom.com and click the big green button to search the database.
Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.
