MUSCATINE, Iowa – An investigation into a recent fire at the Muscatine County Landfill has not determined the cause but a lot of fires at transfer stations and landfills are started by rechargeable batteries. The potential for these types of fires to erupt and the danger they pose to the health and safety of staff and the public necessitates a reminder on how to properly dispose of batteries.
“Automotive batteries (lead acid) should not go in the trash,” David Popp, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Muscatine, said. “These can be recycled at the Transfer Station for no charge or taken to local automotive stores.”
Batteries that power electric vehicles, 300-watt hours or more, are not accepted at the Transfer Station, however.
“These need to go back to where the new batteries were purchased to be recycled,” Popp said.
Lithium and rechargeable batteries commonly found in electronics, laptops, cell phones, cordless power tools, and children’s electric cars and toys, should be kept out of the trash and taken to the Muscatine Transfer Station for recycling.
“Any battery that can be recharged should be kept out of the trash and recycled,” Popp said. “Those living within Muscatine County can bring these items to the Transfer Station for recycling at no charge.”
Alkaline batteries (i.e., A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) can be safely disposed of in the trash and will not be recycled at the Transfer Station.