Boise’s waste‑management and fire‑protection agencies are urging residents to stop placing rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries in regular trash. According to Rachele Klein, a spokesperson for Republic Services, the company that hauls the city’s garbage, the batteries have caused multiple truck fires over the past year.
Recent incidents highlight danger
“We’ve had four to six truck fires in the last year,” Klein said. “We’ve had a couple of total losses, and every time there’s a risk to the community.” When a lithium‑ion cell is crushed inside a garbage truck, it can enter a state known as thermal runaway, producing intense heat and flames.
Fire department demonstration shows the risk
Roy Mitchell, Boise Fire Division Chief of Special Operations, demonstrated the hazard during a public safety event on Tuesday. He explained that once a damaged battery reaches thermal runaway, the reaction escalates quickly. “It doesn’t take a long time from the moment it gets damaged to the point where it goes into thermal runaway,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell also noted that the problem is not limited to a single battery. “One cell in a typical scooter could be 30 or 40 cells, a bike could have 30 or 40, and an electric vehicle could have as many as 7,000,” he added, underscoring the scale of potential danger when large numbers of cells are improperly discarded.
What can be thrown away safely?
Regular alkaline batteries—such as 9‑volt or AA types—are acceptable for regular trash, provided they are not rechargeable. The real risk comes from batteries found in vaping devices, power tools, large electronics, and electric vehicles.
Proper disposal options
The city recommends that residents drop off rechargeable batteries at a hazardous‑household‑waste site or the Ada County Landfill. These facilities are equipped to handle the batteries safely, preventing them from entering the waste stream where they could cause fires.Both Republic Services and Boise Fire emphasize that community cooperation is essential. By keeping rechargeable batteries out of the trash, residents help protect sanitation workers, fire crews, and the broader public from preventable hazards.
How to recycle your batteries
- Locate the nearest hazardous‑waste drop‑off site or the Ada County Landfill.
- Place batteries in a non‑conductive container (e.g., a plastic bag) to prevent short‑circuits during transport.
- Do not store damaged or swollen batteries at home; bring them to the drop‑off site promptly.
For more information on battery recycling locations and hours, residents can visit the Ada County website or call Republic Services’ customer service line.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
