![[image]](https://WICU.images.worldnow.com/images/26241229_G.jpeg)
Photo: Chautauqua County Emergency Services
Chautauqua County's landfill managers are urging residents to help prevent dangerous fire by properly disposing of rechargeable batteries.
Recently, a fire broke out at the county landfill in Ellery. It was swiftly contained by firefighters and landfill staff.
“Rechargeable batteries, especially Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), can cause fires in waste facilities if they’re thrown out with regular trash,” said Aaron Gustafson, Landfill Manager and Deputy Director of Public Facilities. “Our landfill team has been working hard to keep these fires contained, but we need the public’s help to make sure batteries are disposed of safely to avoid putting lives at risk. This issue extends beyond waste management—many residential fires in Chautauqua County have also been caused by rechargeable batteries, underscoring the importance of proper use, storage, and disposal in homes to ensure safety.”
According to the county, the fires are often sparked by improperly discarded rechargeable batteries, pose a threat to waste facility employees, the environment, and general public safety.
Rechargeable batteries, particularly Lithium-Ion Batteries found in many household devices, should never be disposed of with regular trash. Residents are encouraged to bring used recharageable batteries to designated drop-off locations.
To ensure batteries are handled safely, New York State Law requires retailers who sell rechargeable batteries offer collection services for used ones.
Battery manufacturers are also required to cover the cost of recycling collecting rechargeable batteries.
Rechargeable Batteries can be recycled at the following locations: