Waste Management Bans Batteries from Recycling to Curb 5,000 Annual Fires
WM•WM has prohibited all alkaline and lithium-ion batteries from its recycling and trash streams under a new fourth Recycle Right rule to mitigate an estimated 5,000 annual battery-related fires at facilities nationwide. The rule aims to protect workers, equipment and prevent costly operational disruptions.
1. Fourth Recycling Rule Bans Batteries
WM has added batteries to its Recycle Right rule list, prohibiting all alkaline and lithium-ion batteries from recycling and trash to prevent ignition risks. The ban covers household batteries and those found in smart devices, power tools, e-bikes and more.
2. Annual Battery Fire Risk
An estimated 5,000 battery-related fires occur each year in collection vehicles, transfer stations and recycling facilities, posing threats to workers, equipment and operational continuity. Short circuits in discarded batteries can ignite hard-to-extinguish fires and drive up mitigation costs.
3. Consumer Drop-Off and Disposal
Consumers are directed to use batterysafetynow.org and local drop-off sites such as fire departments and hardware stores for safe battery disposal. Proper recovery practices support WM’s safety objectives and help reduce fire incidents during collection and processing.
