Carrboro Public Works Urges Proper Disposal of Lithium-Ion Batteries Following Refuse Truck Fire
Carrboro Public Works has issued a public message urging residents to keep lithium-ion batteries out of trash and recycling carts. This advisory follows an incident last week where a Carrboro refuse truck caught fire due to a lithium-ion battery improperly disposed of in the trash. Fortunately, a City of Durham Fire Department engine was directly behind the truck and quickly extinguished the blaze. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in various rechargeable devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, power tools, e-bikes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices. The department emphasizes that these batteries pose a serious danger to collection crews, the public, and waste facilities if not disposed of correctly. Proper disposal not only prevents fires but also facilitates the recovery and reuse of valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
