Three county Chemical Collection Centers accept the batteries
Sarasota County’s Solid Waste Department staff is asking for help from the public in preventing potential fires by properly disposing of rechargeable batteries.
“Batteries that contain metals such as lithium, nickel, mercury and lead can catch fire and pose a danger to those who are working at the county operated landfill, or collecting waste and recyclables at your curb,” a news release points out.
Wendi Crisp, outreach coordinator for the Solid Waste Department, pointed out in a county video that fires can occur when such batteries are broken open and exposed to moisture. Garbage and recycling collection workers, as well as county employees at the landfill, are at risk, she added, when such fires occur.
The batteries can be found in everyday items such as laptops, mobile phones, power tools and gaming equipment, she said.
The news release stresses that such batteries “cannot be placed in recycling containers or the regular garbage.”
Individuals are urged to take the batteries to one of three Sarasota County Chemical Collection Centers:
- 8750 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota, 34241.
- 4010 Knights Trail Road in Nokomis, 34275.
- 250 S. Jackson Road in Venice, 34292.
Staff at those centers, Crisp pointed out, will “be able to take those [batteries] in and make sure they’re properly disposed of and recycled.”
Additional information can be found by calling the county Contact Center at 941-861-5000, or by visiting scgov.net.