Frederick County is bringing together its fire and rescue and solid waste teams to address growing public safety risks from improperly discarded lithium-
ion batteries.
The Frederick County Divisions of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and Solid Waste and Recycling (DSWR) are launching a joint initiative to help residents safely handle and dispose of lithium-ion batteries, which can pose fire risks in homes and throughout the waste collection system.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in everyday electronics such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets. While generally safe when used properly, damaged or unstable batteries can generate intense heat and catch fire. When improperly placed in household trash or recycling, batteries can also be crushed or damaged during collection and processing, creating risks for county employees, collection vehicles, equipment, and waste infrastructure.
“This partnership between divisions recognizes that the public needs better solutions for battery disposal than throwing batteries in the trash or recycling,” said Lee Zimmerman, Director of the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling. “That practice has contributed to a reported 5,000 battery fires in our waste stream, some of which have put our team, equipment, and infrastructure at risk.”
To provide residents with safer disposal options, Frederick County will offer free, appointment-based curbside pickup of lithium-ion batteries and small electronics, including cell phones, laptops, and tablets.
The County is also creating a “Battery Brigade,” consisting of specially trained hazardous materials handlers and educators from DFRS and DSWR. The broader initiative includes:
- Special battery disposal opportunities, including events on October 10;
- Safe-storage kits for batteries awaiting proper disposal;
- Public education on battery handling and warning signs; and
- Outreach on when residents should call 9-1-1 for batteries showing signs of overheating or other hazards.
The partnership brings together two county functions increasingly affected by lithium-ion battery fires. As battery-powered devices become more common, proper disposal has implications not only for recycling and waste management, but also for emergency response, worker safety, and the protection of public infrastructure.