The county reminds residents that batteries must not be put in regular trash, but should be taken to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station or at a participating retailer.
Improperly disposed batteries can cause fires in trash cans, trash trucks and at the transfer station in Derwood, per the county. Residents can bring all types of batteries to the household hazardous waste drop-off area at the Transfer Station for free. This includes alkaline batteries and lead acid/vehicle batteries. Businesses and organizations can drop off batteries for a small fee at the Transfer Station through the county’s Ecowise Program.
Some participating retail locations may charge for disposal.
People are advised to place each battery in its own plastic bag or tape the battery’s ends with non-metallic tape, such as masking tape. Small batteries should not be mixed with coins or house keys in pockets.
Since July, there have been at least three fires reported at the transfer station, including one on Monday, Sept. 16.
