By: Betsy Clayton
Lee County Solid Waste has launched its “Take Charge” campaign to educate residents and visitors on proper battery disposal. Residents are reminded not to place any batteries in their recycling carts.
Household alkaline batteries, AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt and button batteries can be disposed of in your regular garbage can.
Any other type of battery (rechargeable, nickel-cadmium, automotive, lithium-ion, lead-acid) should be recycled at the Household Chemical Waste Facility at 6441 Topaz Court in Fort Myers. An increasing number of products contain lithium-ion batteries, which is why Lee County Solid Waste is encouraging residents to be aware of how to properly dispose of these items. Lithium-ion batteries can be found in the following common products:
- Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets and Bluetooth devices
- Power tools
- Remote car keys
- Vaping devices
- Game controllers
- Digital cameras
- Portable power packs
- Greeting cards
- Electric toothbrushes
- Toys
- Medical equipment
- Smoke/Fire/Carbon monoxide detectors
- E-bikes, e-scooters and hover boards
“Rechargeable batteries have become a hazard in the solid waste industry and our department wants to be proactive in educating our residents and visitors about proper battery disposal in Lee County,” said Doug Whitehead, director of Solid Waste. “This campaign is meant to engage our residents and visitors and to empower them to share this information with their friends and families.” Visit www.leegov.com/solidwaste/battery-disposal for more information.
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