Local Partnership Aims to Make Properly Disposing of Batteries Easier
CINCINNATI – July 19, 2023 – Rumpke Waste & Recycling has teamed up with the Cincinnati Recycling &
Reuse Hub as well as local fire departments to make properly disposing of lithium-ion batteries easier
for residents.
“Lithium-ion batteries are known fire starters, if improperly handled,” said Jeff Snyder, director of
recycling, Rumpke Waste & Recycling. “Annually, we have fires in our collection vehicles as well as our
facilities from lithium-ion batteries incorrectly placed in trash or recycling containers. Lithium-ion
batteries don’t belong in curbside containers – and most people don’t know how to properly handle
them.”
As part of the partnership, the two organizations have set-up battery collection points at local fire
departments throughout Hamilton County. “Fire departments are often located in the heart of each
community,” said Colleen McSwiggin, executive director, Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub. “Having drop
off centers for batteries at the fire stations will make it convenient for residents to participate as well as
help residents associate the issue with fires occurring from improper disposal with the solution.”
There are currently four fire stations participating in the pilot program, including:
● Cincinnati Fire Department Hyde Park Station #46, 2731 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208
● Cincinnati Fire Department Lunken Station #18, 478 Wilmer Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
● St. Bernard Fire Department Station #91, 4200 Vine Street, 45217
● Colerain Township Fire Department Station #25, 3251 Springdale Road, Cincinnati, OH 45251
● Green Township Fire Department Station #53, 6303 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45247
“Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly common and found in almost everything remotely
powered from laptops and cellphones to lawn equipment, power tools, toys and even birthday cards,”
said Colerain Fire Chief, Allen Walls. “As the use of lithium ion batteries continues to grow, so does the risk
for potential fires. Properly disposing of these batteries will help mitigate that potential risk for fire and
injuries in every home.”
Rumpke and the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub hope to continue to grow the program to include
more fire stations. Residents can also check with their local solid waste district for additional disposal
options.
The timing for the lithium-ion battery collection pilot program comes on the heels of the annual Safety
Stand Down, a joint initiative of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, the International
Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters and the National Fire Protection
Association as the National Volunteer Fire Council. The week-long event focuses on the critical
importance of responders taking care of themselves both on and off emergency incident scenes. This
year’s theme, “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” sheds light on the growing concerns surrounding
the dangers posed by lithium batteries, which are the standard batteries for rechargeable devices in our
modern world.
Rumpke Waste & Recycling has been keeping homes and businesses clean for more than 90 years.
Today, Rumpke employs nearly 4,000 environmental experts servicing millions of customers across Ohio,
Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. The award winning family owned company operates 14 landfills
and 13 recycling centers. Other Rumpke divisions include Rumpke Portable Restrooms, Rumpke
Haul-it-Away and Rumpke Hydraulics, as well as environmental solutions company The William-Thomas
Group.
The Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub reduces the amount of waste going to landfills by accepting
"hard-to-recycle" and reusable items and materials, which can't go into curbside bins, at their one-stop
drop-off location. Many of these items are donated to other nonprofits for their programs, and other
items are available to be taken away for free by teachers, artists, and the general public. Since opening
in April 2021, the nonprofit has diverted over 250 tons of materials from the landfill, including electronics,
Styrofoam, pill bottles, plant pots, tile, and more. To find out more, go to their website at
www.cincinnatirecyclingandreusehub.org.