Lithium-ion batteries cause hazards for Waste Management staff

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on August 1, 2024.

The city is reminding residents about the hazards of improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries that are commonly used in cellphones.

These batteries can cause fires and explosions if they are improperly disposed in waste carts and pose a risk to waste management staff at the city’s landfill.

Waste management staff say when lithium-ion batteries are punctured, they can also release harmful chemicals that may also harm wildlife.

The city has provided residents with some helpful tips to safely dispose your batteries. Before disposal, staff recommend placing tape over the positive and negative terminals of the battery and then place the battery back in its original packaging.

When storing batteries, staff recommend keeping similar battery types together in a clear bag, an example provided includes storing alkaline with alkaline. Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be recycled.

Used batteries can be dropped off at several locations around the city. An online map can be found at call2recycle.ca/locator.