National Battery Day is Wednesday, Feb. 18, and the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency (RICWMA) is reminding residents about the importance of safely disposing of batteries to prevent environmental harm and fire hazards.
Lithium and rechargeable batteries, which contain heavy metals, should never be placed in household trash or dumpsters, the agency warned in a news release. These batteries pose a fire risk at waste processing facilities and in garbage trucks.
However, single-use household batteries – made of common metals deemed non-hazardous by the federal government – can be safely disposed of in regular trash.
Area residents have several options for proper disposal:
- Electronics Recovery Center: 5650 Carey Ave., Davenport, (563) 823-0119. Free for all Rock Island County residents.
- Lowe’s: 3820 44th Avenue Drive, Moline, (309) 736-1100. Free for all Illinois residents.
- Batteries Plus Bulbs Stores: 901 E. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, and 300 Avenue of the Cities, East Moline. Fees may apply.
- Interstate Battery of the Quad Cities: Rock Valley Shopping Center, 4704 44th St., Rock Island. Fees may apply.
Residents are advised to call private vendors or visit their websites to confirm hours and any potential fees before visiting.
Accepted batteries for recycling include: Automobile, motorcycle, marine, Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride), LION (Lithium) & Polymer, and rechargeable.
For additional information on battery disposal, contact the Battery Recycling Information hotline at (800) 822-8837. For other inquiries, residents can contact RICWMA at (309) 788-8925 or visit www.ricwma.org.
