05/08/2026
⚠️ Don't Throw Away Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries, found in phones, laptops, earbuds, vapes, and power tools, can short-circuit when crushed in a garbage truck or recycling facility, triggering intense fires that are difficult to control and dangerous to workers.
Dead batteries still carry enough charge to ignite. Don't risk it.
Before you drop them off:
🎇 Place a small piece of clear tape over each terminal (the metal contacts) to prevent accidental contact
📦 Store them individually in a plastic bag or small box; don't let them rattle around loose together
🚫 If a battery is swollen, cracked, or leaking, do not store it indoors; place it in a cool, dry location away from flammable materials and dispose of it as soon as possible
Dispose of them properly:
🔋 Drop off at the Ottumwa/Wapello Recycling Center — 2415 Emma Street
🔍 Find additional drop-off sites at www.batterynetwork.org
Keep them out of your trash and curbside recycling bin. One battery can start a fire with catastrophic consequences.
For information on how to dispose of other household waste, head over to www.ottumwa.us/waste.
