SCDES Partners with SWANA, Redwood Materials to Host Battery Drop-off Event and Promote Safe Disposal of Rechargeable Batteries

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is joining the South Carolina Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) to recognize its “Safety Day” by reminding the public about the dangers of improperly disposing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. To support SC SWANA’s Safety Day initiative, SCDES is partnering with Redwood Materials to host a rechargeable battery drop-off event in Columbia on Sept. 19.

SC SWANA’s Safety Day aims to promote safe practices at solid waste facilities, and educating the public about the risks of improperly disposed of batteries supports this effort. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of rechargeable battery, and they’re used in an array of household products, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, electric toothbrushes, power tool batteries, rechargeable vacuum batteries, wireless headphones and more. Proper recycling of lithium-ion batteries and consumer devices helps minimize the risk of fires and other safety hazards.

“Batteries are a routine part of our everyday lives, which is why it’s so important for everyone to understand that household batteries need to be properly handled and recycled in order to limit the potential harm they can cause to people and the environment,” said SCDES Interim Director Myra Reece. “These batteries should not be placed in the garbage or recycling containers – doing so could put sanitation workers, solid waste professionals, firefighters and others in danger.”

It’s estimated that lithium-ion batteries improperly placed in recyclables collected from households cause an estimated 5,000 fires annually at recycling facilities according to a recent report. The number of fires is expected to rise given the expected growth in the use of these batteries.

“The South Carolina Chapter of SWANA is very excited about working with its partners this year on this very important issue,” said Ed Marr, Co-Chair of SCSWANA’s Safety Committee. “Safety is always a priority in our industry. More and more of these potentially dangerous materials are making their way into our waste stream. It’s efforts like this that will keep our personnel, customers and facilities safer.

SCDES is happy to support SC SWANA’s Safety Day by partnering with Redwood Materials, a leading rechargeable battery recycler in South Carolina, for this battery drop-off event:

Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Event 
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Front lobby of SCDES 2600 Bull St., Columbia

Bring your lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable devices including smartphones, tablets, electric toothbrushes, laptops, power tool batteries, rechargeable vacuum batteries, wireless headphones, and any other lithium-ion battery to be properly recycled. For loose lithium-ion or nickel-metal-hydride batteries, please tape both ends of the battery. Please remove all personal data from devices prior to drop-off. Visit redwoodmaterials.com/recycle-with-us for more information.

“Redwood Materials is thrilled to partner with SCDES and SC SWANA on this important initiative — we encourage citizens to clean out their junk drawers!” said Morgan Crapps, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Redwood Materials. “By responsibly recycling lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable battery-containing devices, South Carolinians are not only reducing the risk of safety hazards but are lessening the environmental impact and preserving the critical resources from batteries.”

Most South Carolina residents have opportunities to recycle single-use and rechargeable batteries at no cost and are encouraged to learn more about battery recycling in their communities. To determine if your community has access to a program or event, visit RecycleHereSC.

In November 2023, South Carolina’s Take Charge: Be Battery Smart public information campaign launched to provide important information and resources about battery safety. Be Battery Smart is centered on household batteries; it’s important to note that businesses must follow all requirements for both large and small quantity hazardous waste generators. For more information, visit BeBatterySmart.com.

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