CLAY COUNTY, Minn. – In Clay County, officials are sounding the alarm after two fires ignited at the county’s waste facility within a month, both caused by improperly disposed rechargeable batteries. This incident reflects a broader trend of increasing fires linked to batteries across the state and country. Clay County Solid Waste Director Corey Bang emphasized the importance of recycling these batteries, which are commonly found in everyday items like toothbrushes, laptops, and cellphones. Improper disposal of rechargeable batteries poses serious risks, as crushing them can lead to explosions when exposed to air.
Bang noted that his facility managed to contain both fires quickly, but others elsewhere have suffered significant damage, some totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hennepin County Senior Environmentalist Ryan Gastecki underscored the need for proper battery disposal to reduce toxicity in the waste stream and promote recycling for future use. He urged people to bring their used batteries to local recycling centers for safe disposal, emphasizing the importance of this simple step in preventing potentially catastrophic incidents. Clay County has partnered with Call2Recycle to provide battery recycling options at various locations throughout the county. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of proper battery disposal and prevent future incidents like those experienced recently.