Southern Wisconsin Times

Landfills, recycling centers, and solid waste collection trucks across the country have been experiencing an increase in fires in recent years. The December 5, 2023 Janesville solid waste collection truck fire was one of many that has occurred in our City and nationally. Though the cause of the December 5 fire remains undetermined, one of the primary causes of landfill and collection truck fires is from disposal of lithium-ion batteries. In a 2021 report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that 245 fires at waste disposal facilities and in collection vehicles between 2013 and 2020 were caused by lithium-ion batteries.

Many small electronics contain lithium-ion batteries, which can hold a charge long after they stop powering a device. When lithium-ion batteries are damaged, they can spark and lead to fires. Not only can these fires cause damage to waste disposal facilities, but they present danger to employees driving collection trucks and operating disposal sites.

Lithium-ion batteries found in electronics such as laptops, cellphones, tablets, and other portable electronics with screens are banned from landfills in Wisconsin. However, many other devices contain lithium-ion batteries, such as power tools, toys, and electronic cigarettes/vaping devices. While these devices are not banned from landfills in the State of Wisconsin, residents are strongly encouraged to safely and responsibly dispose of these items.

The City’s website provides a list of locations that accept electronic waste: www.janesvillewi.gov/ewaste  The public is encouraged to call and confirm acceptance of the items to be disposed. More information about household battery recycling from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can be found at this link.

Additionally, landfill customers are reminded that smoking at the City’s waste disposal facilities is not allowed. A discarded cigarette in a landfill can easily create a fire, causing considerable damage and danger to employees and other customers.

Please contact the Operations Division at (608) 755-3110 with any questions.

Original source can be found here.