In the past month, Rumpke has experienced more than a dozen fires in the communities it serves—most caused by lithium-ion batteries placed in trash or recycling carts. These fires put collection crews, firefighters, and the community at serious risk while damaging trucks and facilities.

To keep everyone safe, please remember: batteries and other hazardous items should never go in curbside trash or recycling. Instead, take batteries to retailers like Staples or Batteries Plus Bulbs, or check with your solid waste district for proper disposal options.

Click here to learn about other items that should also be kept out of curbside containers. Together, we can protect the people who keep our community clean and safe.