Batteries – When in Doubt, Don’t Throw Them Out!
Batteries – When in Doubt, Don’t Throw Them Out!
Recent Fires at Alachua County Waste Management
You may remember reports of a fire that erupted at the Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station during Labor Day weekend. That fire delayed curbside collection from September 1 to September 2. Officials now know the fire was likely caused by a lithium-ion battery. Since then, there have been a handful of other smaller fires in trash collection transport vehicles and at the transfer station – all likely due to Lithium-ion batteries.
Why Lithium Batteries are Dangerous in Regular Trash
Lithium-ion batteries (the kind found in vape pens, phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools, e-watches and many rechargeable devices) can short, overheat, and ignite. When they burn, they produce extremely hot, fast-spreading fires that are difficult for firefighters to extinguish. Trash fires endanger workers, neighborhoods, and disrupt waste services. Recent fires are timely reminders that we all have a role in preventing hazardous waste incidents.
Where to Take Batteries in Alachua County
Alachua County operates six Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers that accept lithium and other household hazardous materials for safe handling and recycling. When in doubt — don’t throw it out. Bring all types of batteries (rechargeable lithium-ion, laptop packs, power tool batteries, vape batteries, and sealed lead acid units) to one of the county’s designated centers rather than throwing them in the trash. With six convenient locations, proper hazardous waste disposal is quick, free for residents, and it keeps your community safer.
- HWCC (Hazardous Waste Collection Center) Main Facility: 5125 NE 63rd Ave.
- Fairbanks: 9920 NE Waldo Rd.
- Phifer: 11700 SW Hawthorne Rd.
- North Central: 10714 N. State Rd. 121
- High Springs: 16929 NW Hwy 441
- Archer: 19401 SW Archer Rd.
How to Store Batteries Safely
- Store batteries in a temperature-controlled area.
- Check batteries regularly for damage, swelling, or overheating.
- If storing until drop-off, cover terminals with tape or keep in original packaging to prevent short-circuiting.
- Place damaged or swollen batteries in a non-flammable container, away from anything that could burn.
If a Battery Is damaged, Smoking, or On Fire
- If a battery is actively burning, evacuate immediately and call 911— lithium fires discharge toxic vapors and can reignite.
- If it’s hot, smoking, or damaged but not burning, keep people away and call 911 or 352-955-1818 for your local fire department and Environmental Protection Hazardous Materials Emergency Response.
- Never throw a damaged battery in the trash or water.
Safely Charging Batteries
- Always use the charger that came with your device.
- Never leave devices charging overnight or unattended.
- Don’t charge large devices (scooters, e-bikes, etc.) near your front door — you could block your escape route if there is a fire.
- Charge in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from flammable materials.
What Else Can I Bring to the Hazardous Waste Collection Centers?
Household Chemicals & Cleaners
- Aerosol cans
- Corrosives
- Fertilizers
- Household cleaners
- Paint thinners
- Paints
- Poisons and pesticides
- Pool chemicals
- Roof tar
- Solvents
- Used cooking oil
Automotive & Fuels
- Brake and transmission fluids
- Gasoline/fuels
- Oil filters
- Radiator fluid
- Used oil/lubricants
Batteries & Electronics
- Batteries, all types
- Cellular phones
- Computers
- Computer desktop towers
- Computer monitors
- Computer peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.)
- Computer printers and scanners
- Electronics
- Game systems
- Laptop computers
- Microwaves
- Power tools
- TVs
- VCR/DVD players
Medical Waste
- Medicines
- Pharmaceuticals
- Sharps (syringes, needles and lancets — must be in a hard-sided plastic container such as a milk jug or detergent bottle)
Other Hazardous Items
- Flares, fireworks and ammunition
- Fluorescent lamps & CFL light bulbs
- Propane tanks
- Thermostats and thermometers
Have additional questions? Please call the HWCC at 352-334-0440 or visit AlachuaCountyRecylces.com