| Frederick County Divisions, Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and Solid Waste and Recycling (DSWR) are teaming up to help people in Frederick County become Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Battery Tamers.
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Frederick County Divisions Team Up to Tame Lithium-Ion Batteries
Frederick, Md. – Fires caused by damaged or faulty lithium-ion batteries are becoming
more common. These batteries can be dangerous in our homes, workplaces, and waste
stream. To combat this growing hazard and in recognition of Fire Prevention Month and
National Recycling Month in November, the Divisions of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS)
and Solid Waste and Recycling (DSWR) are teaming up to help people in Frederick County
become Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Battery Tamers.
The partnership will provide information and resources on safer ways to handle and
dispose of lithium-ion batteries, including:
• Special events to dispose of lithium-ion batteries, including the DFRS Open House
and DSWR Household Hazardous Waste Events October 10.
• Introduction of the “Battery Brigade,” a team of specially trained hazardous
material handlers and educators from both divisions.
• Free, appointment-based curbside pickup of lithium-ion batteries and small
electronics such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets.
• Social media posts and educational content about proper battery disposal, safe
handling tips, and when to call 9-1-1 if a battery is hot or showing other signs of
danger.
• Special storage kits to safely store batteries until they can be dropped off at proper
disposal locations.
• A public service announcement shown throughout October at Warehouse Cinemas
before every movie.
“This partnership between divisions recognizes that the public needs better solutions for
battery disposal than throwing batteries in the trash or recycling. That practice has
contributed to a reported 5,000 battery fires in our waste stream, some of which have put
our team, equipment and infrastructure at risk,” said Lee Zimmerman, Director of the
Division of Solid Waste and Recycling.
Most lithium-ion batteries are safe when used properly. However, they can become
damaged or unstable over time. When this happens, materials inside the battery can react
and generate intense heat, an event called “thermal runaway.” The battery can then catch
fire, creating a serious risk in homes, garages, and other buildings.
This danger increases when batteries are thrown away in the trash or placed in recycling.
Once a battery enters the waste stream, it can be crushed or damaged, causing it to
overheat and start a fire. Although these fires are often brought under control quickly, they
can damage transfer trailers, trucks, and personal property.
“A damaged battery can start a fire fast— in your home, your car, or even the trash truck
that picks up your garbage,” added Fire Chief Tom Coe. “That's why we're teaming up to
help. Together, we can keep our families, our firefighters, and our neighborhoods safe.”
To learn more or sign up for curbside lithium-ion pick up, visit www.FrederickCountyMd.gov/BeALionTamer
and follow the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (@FCDFRS)
and the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling (@FrederickReycles) on Facebook and Instagram.
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CONTACT: Paul Varga
Communications Manager
Division of Solid Waste and Recycling
301-600-2960
Frederick County, Maryland does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex,
age, marital status, disability, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or source of income. |
