Battery fires are preventable. In the age of technology, everything we touch has a battery. From phones to computers, light up shoes to singing greeting cards, improperly managed batteries present a hazard to your garbage collection and recycling management professionals. In recent years, 78% of recycling facilities and 40% of landfills had to call emergency responders at least once due to battery fires. The most common batteries that lead to fires are from cell phones, laptops, and tablets. It also includes the batteries found in greeting cards, small electronic toys, and e-cigarettes, which can spark, explode, and cause a fire.
Tossing batteries in any of your curbside carts can create opportunities for disposed electronics or batteries to become punctured, crushed, or otherwise damaged. Damaged batteries cause fires by sparking, combusting, or exploding. Batteries can also short circuit, which creates heat buildup and the possibility of a fire.
How to dispose of batteries properly in Denton?
The City’s Home Chemical Collection (HCC) is only available to Denton residents, including those who live in apartments. HCC collects batteries of all kinds, among other items like light bulbs, paints, motor/cooking oil, and fertilizers, just to name a few. Residents can take their batteries to HCC or schedule a curbside collection during normal business hours. Make sure you have your driver’s license and utility bill available for proof of residency. HCC is not the only place in Denton that collects batteries. Some retailers offer recycling for batteries, electronics, and lightbulbs as well. To find a local retailer, visit Call2Recycle or Earth911.
HCC is located at 1527 S. Mayhill Rd., Building #300. To schedule a curbside collection, call Customer Service at (940) 349-8700 or submit a request through Engage Denton. Please allow up to 48 hours for a confirmation from the Engage Denton app.
Storing batteries safely:
If you prefer storing your batteries and electronics until you get enough for an HCC collection. Here are some quick tips:
Tape the ends of your batteries to prevent the discharge of electricity
Keep them in their original package
If you misplaced the original packaging, then make sure that you line up batteries with the positive ends facing the same direction
Bag them in separate small baggies, as seen in the picture
Don’t mix different batteries
For more information, visit our Home Chemical Collection website at www.cityofdenton.com/hcc.