FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Northwest Arkansas city officials are reminding the public about the dangers of improperly disposing worn out lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are ones found in cellphones, laptops, vape pens, and power tools. Northwest Arkansas officials remind the public these do not belong in the trash, nor in a recycling bin. These batteries can and have start a fire in recycling centers, or trash trucks.
The Northwest Arkansas Council, Benton County and Boston Mountain Sold Waste Districts said there's been rising fire risk for the areas recycling and waste programs.
Officials said hundreds of pounds of batteries are showing up each month at the region's recycling centers, trash trucks, and disposal sites, according to officials.
The batteries spark hundreds of fires in each year across the country including in recent months in both Rogers and Fayetteville.
Where to dispose
Here is a list of places where you can throw away lithium batteries safely, according to officials.
Fayetteville:
- Marion Orton Recycling Center located at 735 W North St. (24/7)
- Happy Hollow Recycling Drop-Off located at 1420 S. Happy Hollow Road. (24/7)
- Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Trailer located at the corner of South Happy Hollow Road and 15th Street on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Free Geek of Arkansas located at 521 W. Ash St., from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Springdale
- Springdale Recycling Drop Off Center located at 1809 S. Lowell Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Rogers
- James R. Welch Recycling Center located at 2307 N. Arkansas St. from 8-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m.
- eSCO Processing and Recycling located at 2111 S. 8th St. from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Siloam Springs
- Sanitation Office located at 1108 E. Ashley St. from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month.
Centerton
- Benton County Solid Waste District located at 5702 Brookside Road from 8-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Prairie Grove
- Boston Mountain Solid Waste District Drop Off located at 11398 Bond Road from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8-11 a.m. on Saturdays.
NWA Recycles says stores like Best Buy, Staples, Lowe's and Home Depot also accept lithium batteries for recycling. For more information on what is accepted at each location, click here.
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