The Waste Commission of Scott County (WCSC) is reminding people of the safe way to dispose of lithium and rechargeable batteries as Tuesday, Feb. 18, marks National Battery Day.
Lithium and rechargeable batteries — such as those found inside rechargeable electronics in laptops and cell phones — have caused numerous fires around the country. These preventable fires can damage public and private property, harm workers and the environment, and even cause loss of life.
Because of this, the Waste Commission urges residents to drop off batteries at the Electronics Recovery Center, 5650 Carey Ave., Davenport, for proper disposal. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8-11:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. There is also an after-hours battery drop box at this location for more convenient battery recycling.Â
There is no charge for residents of Scott and Rock Island counties and no appointments are needed. Residents of other counties as well as businesses may drop off batteries for a fee based on the battery type and quantity.
In 2024, the Electronics Recovery Center received 121,347 pounds of batteries for recycling. Once received, the batteries are sorted by chemistry and safely packaged to send to another facility where the usable materials are extracted.Â
Rock Island County Waste Management officials said these types of batteries are accepted at the Electronics Recovery Center: automobile, motorcycle, marine, Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride), LION (Lithium) and polymer, and rechargeable.
Alkaline (non-rechargeable) batteries are safe to throw away in household garbage.Â
For more information, call (563) 386-9575 or visit wastecom.com.
