The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) released a joint policy statement addressing the critical issue of lithium-ion battery disposal. Improper disposal of these batteries presents significant safety hazards, including fires that endanger people, property, and the waste and recycling infrastructure.
The statement reads, “Lithium-ion batteries require special handling for proper recycling and disposal. They should never be placed in waste or curbside recycling bins as they can cause fires, endangering people and waste and recycling infrastructure. The best solution is to use take-back programs designed for safe collection and recycling. NWRA and SWANA are committed to promoting awareness and supporting policy initiatives that ensure proper battery disposal to protect workers, communities and the environment.”
NWRA president and chief executive officer Michael E. Hoffman emphasized the urgency of addressing this growing issue: “Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries is a pressing safety and environmental concern. At NWRA, we are committed to raising awareness and supporting policy initiatives that promote effective take-back programs, ensuring these batteries are safely and responsibly disposed, with end-of-life certainty. Our partnerships with SWANA and others, aims to protect workers, communities, and the environment from the risks posed by these batteries.”
SWANA executive director and chief executive officer Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE, added: “Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are one of the biggest issues facing our industry. Municipalities often bear the cost burden of collecting batteries and informing their residents of proper disposal methods for batteries. SWANA seeks to support its members with raising awareness of the fire hazards and to improve collection opportunities for batteries. This statement with our partners at NWRA provides a clear explanation of the issue. Our associations will use that statement as a baseline to elevate the issue and support our advocacy.”
Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, present unique challenges for recycling and disposal. Improper disposal can result in fires, posing serious risks to consumers, waste and recycling workers, and critical infrastructure. To mitigate these risks, NWRA and SWANA support effective take-back programs with clear end-of-life certainty and public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on safe disposal methods.
Published March 2025