Dead batteries can start real fires, and the Statesville Fire Department is asking the community to help prevent them through its new “Fill the Drum” Battery Recycling Challenge. Rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, can pose a serious fire hazard when placed in household trash. Even batteries that appear to be dead can retain enough energy to spark or ignite if they are crushed, punctured or damaged. These fires can occur in homes, garbage trucks and waste facilities.
The Statesville Fire Department is challenging residents to help reduce that risk by properly recycling unwanted rechargeable batteries and helping fill the department’s Call2Recycle collection drum. “Every battery recycled is one less battery that could start a fire in a garbage truck, recycling facility or home,” said Statesville Fire Marshal Allen “Pete” Morrison. “This is an easy way for everyone to help protect our firefighters, sanitation workers and our community.”
As part of the campaign, the Statesville Fire Department will host a special Battery Take Back Day on Monday, October 5, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fire Station 1. Residents can bring their unwanted rechargeable batteries for proper recycling and help the department reach its goal of filling the collection drum.
The Fill the Drum campaign is part of the Statesville Fire Department’s ongoing community risk reduction efforts to educate residents about lithium-ion battery safety, proper disposal and the fire hazards associated with rechargeable batteries.