Seattle has recently implemented a ban on disposing of used batteries in household waste, which came into effect at the beginning of this year. The ban also includes small batteries used in hearing aids and batteries for electric bike charging.
The reason behind the ban is the danger posed by used batteries, which can catch fire and leak hazardous chemicals. Recycling used batteries also has environmental benefits, as it allows for the recovery of valuable materials instead of wasting them in landfills.
“This emphasizes the importance of proper handling of used batteries,” said Leo Raudys, director of Call2Recycle, a nonprofit organization.
In the past three years, the Seattle Fire Department has responded to at least eight fires caused by batteries in waste facilities, according to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).
According to an analysis conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries caused or were likely responsible for 245 fires in facilities such as landfills, garbage trucks, and recycling plants over a seven-year period nationwide.
Expanding battery recycling options is the next step Seattle is taking to prevent residents from disposing of batteries in the trash. Last year, the state legislature passed regulations requiring battery producers to finance a more extensive battery collection system, allowing for a greater variety of batteries to be collected at retail locations. The law also establishes recycling goals and requires educational and promotional efforts. These new regulations will not take effect until 2027.
However, Seattle is taking action now because more and more consumer items contain batteries.
“The fact that we have a sufficient [collection] system in place made us feel like it was time to start acting,” said Becca Fong, SPU’s Outreach Manager.
The city, however, does not intend to become a “battery police” and aggressively enforce the ban on battery disposal. If a waste collection worker notices a household regularly throwing batteries in the trash, they can attach a special “oops” sticker to draw attention to the incorrect behavior. If this does not change the residents’ actions, SPU will initiate contact through phone calls, letters, or both to assist in educating them about proper battery handling.
Since 2015, Seattle has also banned disposing of food scraps and recyclable materials such as aluminum cans, glass, paper, and plastics in the trash. The same educational and informational campaign is being carried out for violations of these bans.
“We see a very high level of compliance,” Fong said, adding that Seattle customers “are very versed and aware. Recycling ethics are deeply rooted here.”
Seattle also prohibits disposing of electronics, including televisions, computers, and other electronic devices, in the trash. SPU is using the new battery ban to remind customers that e-waste is also prohibited in trash.
At the end of March, SPU sends calendars to homes with information on waste and recycling collection dates. They will include information about the ban on throwing away used batteries and provide details about the online tool “Where Does It Go,” which provides instructions for disposing of thousands of different items.
Additional informational campaigns will be conducted in spring and early fall.
“The main challenges to properly disposing of used batteries and other materials are convenience, such as having drop-off points for batteries, and a lack of awareness about available disposal options,” said Gerrine Pan, Vice President of Partnerships at Ridwell.
Seattle-based Ridwell is a company that has taken up the challenge of proper disposal of used batteries and other materials. Last year, the company collected 444,679 pounds of batteries. They have 90,000 members across seven states. Ridwell does not accept all types of batteries, such as car batteries, large lithium-ion batteries, or lead-acid batteries.
Many electric bike manufacturers and sellers also accept used batteries from vehicles. In Seattle, these include REI and Rad Power Bikes.
Rad sends its used batteries to Redwood Materials, a company based in Nevada that recycles lithium-ion batteries from cars and bikes. So far, Rad has recycled 1,500 batteries, according to a company spokesperson.
Advocates of these initiatives are interested in promoting the importance of battery recycling.
“This is becoming a more serious problem. Throwing these [batteries] in the trash is not a good idea, and recycling is a good thing,” said Raudys from Call2Recycle. “Whenever there’s a potential for fire in any of these facilities, there’s a risk of someone getting hurt or the facility burning down.”
FAQ Section based on key topics and information presented in the article:
1. What is included in the ban on disposing of waste in Seattle?
The ban includes used batteries, including small batteries used in hearing aids and batteries for electric bike charging.
2. Why was the ban on disposing of used batteries implemented?
The main reason is the danger posed by used batteries, which can cause fires or leak hazardous chemicals. Recycling batteries also has environmental benefits.
3. What have been the consequences of battery fires in Seattle?
According to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), the Seattle Fire Department has responded to at least eight fires caused by batteries in waste facilities over the past three years.
4. What other waste bans are in place in Seattle?
Seattle also prohibits disposing of food scraps, recyclable materials, and electronics in the trash.
5. What are the next steps to prevent battery disposal in Seattle?
Seattle plans to expand battery recycling options through statutory requirements for battery producers to provide more extensive collection systems available at retail locations. These new regulations will take effect in 2027.
6. What are the consequences for violating the ban on battery disposal in Seattle?
The city does not take aggressive actions against violators but may use special stickers and contact through phone calls or letters to educate residents about proper battery handling.
7. Which recycling companies and electric bike sellers accept used batteries in Seattle?
Ridwell and Rad Power Bikes are two companies in Seattle that accept used batteries. Ridwell focuses on proper disposal of batteries and other materials, while Rad sends its used batteries to Redwood Materials in Nevada.
8. What are the main challenges associated with battery recycling?
The main challenges are the lack of convenience in delivering batteries to recycling drop-off points and a lack of awareness about available disposal options.
9. Why is battery recycling important?
Disposing of used batteries in the trash can lead to fires and the release of hazardous chemicals. Battery recycling also has environmental benefits and allows for the recovery of valuable materials.
Links to relevant websites on the article topic:
– Useful Links – Official Seattle Public Utilities website with frequently asked questions
The source of the article is from the blog scimag.news