Across North America, fire incidents at waste‑handling sites climb sharply during the summer months. The Fire Rover Fire Safety Report notes that July and August 2025 set a record with more than 100 reported fires, and early data for summer 2026 suggest the trend is continuing. High temperatures make damaged batteries far more likely to overheat, spark, and ignite, endangering workers, first responders, and nearby communities.
Why Heat Turns Batteries Into Fire Hazards
When batteries are tossed into the trash or recycling stream they can be crushed, punctured, or exposed to metal contacts during collection and processing. In the summer, ambient heat compounds these stresses. Inside garbage trucks, containers, and sorting equipment, temperatures can rise quickly, turning a compromised cell into a source of ignition. Dry materials such as paper, cardboard, and plastics then act as kindling, allowing a small spark to become a full‑scale fire.
What Types of Batteries Pose a Risk
All household batteries can become dangerous if damaged, but certain chemistries are especially prone to “thermal runaway,” a rapid chain reaction that leads to overheating and fire. The most common batteries that should never be placed in curbside trash or recycling include:
- Lithium‑ion cells found in phones, laptops, and e‑bikes
- Alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, and 9‑volt batteries
- Rechargeable power‑tool and vacuum batteries
- Button and coin cells used in watches and key fobs
WM’s New Guidance: No Batteries in the Trash or Recycling
In June, WM added a fourth rule to its Recycle Right guide: do not place any batteries in the trash or recycling bins. Executive Director of Recycling Operations Ryan Nordt explains, “As batteries become part of more everyday products, it’s more important than ever to understand how to handle them properly to keep them out of the trash and recycling streams.” He notes that many people unintentionally discard batteries when they throw away toys, earbuds, or cordless tools.
Practical Ways to Prevent Fires
The safest approach is simple: keep batteries out of curbside collection altogether. Instead, use one of the following options:
- Locate a battery‑recycling drop‑off at a retailer or community center. The website BatterySafetyNow.org provides a searchable map of nearby collection sites.
- Check your local household hazardous waste program for scheduled drop‑off days.
- Participate in battery take‑back events, such as National Battery Take‑Back Day on September 12, sponsored by the National Waste & Recycling Association.
- When storing or transporting batteries, tape the terminals to prevent short‑circuits.
Community Benefits of Proper Disposal
By removing batteries from the waste stream, municipalities reduce the likelihood of costly facility fires, protect workers’ safety, and avoid disruptions to local services. The EPA, Resource Recycling Systems, and the National Waste & Recycling Association all agree that temperature, pressure, and combustible materials are the key drivers of fire risk. Removing the battery source eliminates the spark that could ignite those materials.
Take Action Today
Remember the one‑rule rule: If it’s a battery, don’t throw it in the trash or recycling. Whether it’s summer or winter, following this guidance helps keep neighborhoods safe and preserves the integrity of our waste‑handling infrastructure.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
