Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries posing fire risk NWA [Video]

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Northwest Arkansas city officials are reminding the public about the dangers of improperly disposing worn out lithium-ion batteries. 

Lithium-ion batteries are ones found in cellphones, laptops, vape pens, and power tools. Northwest Arkansas officials remind the public these do not belong in the trash, nor in a recycling bin. These batteries can and have start a fire in recycling centers, or trash trucks. 

The Northwest Arkansas Council, Benton County and Boston Mountain Sold Waste Districts said there’s been rising fire risk for the areas recycling and waste programs. 

Officials said hundreds of pounds of batteries are showing up each month at the region’s recycling centers, trash trucks, and disposal sites, according to officials.

The batteries spark hundreds of fires in each year across the country including in recent months in …