Marion is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid 91²Ö¿â Agency to provide free battery recycling drop-off locations. The move comes after several fires caused by improperly disposed batteries. Both Linn County and Iowa City waste departments have experienced fires.
âEarlier this fall, a fire broke out in one of our garbage trucks. The fire was caused by a lithium battery that wasnât disposed of properly,â said Marion Public Works Director Mike Barkalow. âThankfully, there were no injuries or significant damage, but it serves as an important reminder that batteries should never be placed in recycling bins or household trash.â
According to the EPA, standard batteries arenât the problem. Lithium-ion batteries specifically can start fires and create environmental hazards.