SHELDON, IA (Northwestiowanow) – The Northwest Iowa Solid Waste Agency is launching a new battery recycling program throughout northwest Iowa.

The program features 12 battery collection bins located across the region, where residents can safely dispose of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and other household batteries.

Landfill Manager Brent Kach says many people may not realize the dangers rechargeable batteries can pose when they are damaged or thrown away improperly.

 

 

According to information provided by the landfill, lithium-ion battery use has increased approximately 900 percent over the past decade. At the same time, battery-related fires at waste and recycling facilities have become a growing concern nationwide.

 

 

To help prevent those incidents, the agency has installed collection bins in Doon, Inwood, Sheldon, Orange City, Sibley, Rock Valley, Sioux Center, Sanborn, Primghar, Rock Rapids, Akron and Archer. Residents may use whichever location is most convenient.

Kach says the program accepts all battery types.

 

 

Kach stressed that damaged lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in the collection bins. Instead, residents are encouraged to contact the landfill directly so staff can provide instructions for proper handling and disposal.

For more information about the program, accepted battery types, or collection locations, visit nwialandfill.com or contact Northwest Iowa Landfill directly.