Gary L Herman
Beginning December 1, 2026, lithium-ion batteries will be banned from landfill disposal throughout North Carolina. Alexander County residents are encouraged to properly dispose of these batteries to help prevent fires and protect the environment.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in rechargeable devices such as cell phones, laptops, power tools, electronic cigarettes, and other household electronics. While these batteries are powerful and long-lasting, they can pose serious fire hazards when improperly discarded.
When lithium-ion batteries are crushed or damaged in garbage trucks, recycling facilities, or landfills, they can ignite and cause dangerous fires. Even batteries that appear to be completely discharged can still pose a fire risk.
Residents should never place lithium-ion batteries in household garbage or recycling containers. Instead, they should be taken to an approved battery recycling or collection location.
Lithium-ion batteries may be labeled “Li-ion,” “LIR,” or “lithium.” Some are easily removable, while others are built into electronic devices. Residents should not attempt to remove batteries that are not designed to be removed.
Residents can find participating battery drop-off locations by visiting https://batterynetwork.org/locator/. Batteries can also be taken to the Alexander County Landfill for recycling.
The new statewide disposal ban is intended to reduce the risk of fires at waste collection and disposal facilities while encouraging the safe recycling of rechargeable batteries.