In the past decade, rechargeable lithium ion batteries have become ubiquitous in products like smartphones, electric toothbrushes, and electric vehicles, powering Vermonters鈥� everyday lives. But the new technology has its own challenges, particularly fire safety concerns due to improper recycling, said Josh Kelly, the solid waste program manager for the state鈥檚 Department of Environmental Conservation Waste Management & Prevention Division.
Because of these fire safety concerns, waste management officials in 39 states around the country consider them to be the most difficult kind of waste management material to manage, Kelly said, citing a 2023 study conducted by the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials. The Vermont Legislature approved new recycling requirements for rechargeable batteries last year, and now waste management officials are trying to make sure the public is aware of them.
Jen Holliday, the director of public policy and communications for the Chittenden Solid Waste District, said flare ups from lithium ion batteries occur weekly at their facilities, and workers are trained to quickly extinguish fires.