Nashville fire and waste officials are using Fire Prevention Week to warn residents about the growing fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries and to remind the public that the batteries should never be placed in household trash or recycling carts.
The Nashville Fire Marshal’s Office and Nashville Department of Waste Services have partnered on an education campaign focusing on the safe charging and proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in cell phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools and numerous other rechargeable devices.
Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 4-10, is focusing this year on lithium-ion battery safety under the theme ‘Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.’
“Prevention is always the best way to keep our community safe,” Nashville Fire Department Director Chief William Swann said. “We all have the responsibility to take precautions and learn about the best ways to protect life and property.”
Fire officials are encouraging residents to follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging devices and to use chargers approved for the products they are powering. Devices should be charged on hard, flat surfaces and kept away from combustible materials such as beds, couches and other soft furnishings.
Residents should stop using batteries that become unusually hot, swell, emit smoke or produce unusual odors.
Proper disposal is another concern.
Nashville Department of Waste Services officials are reminding residents that lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in household trash, recycling carts or dumpsters. Batteries can create a serious fire hazard if they are crushed, punctured or overheated during collection and processing.
“Lithium-ion batteries pose a serious fire risk when they are placed in curbside carts,” Waste Services Director Tracey Thurman said. “NWS is proud to partner with the Fire Marshal’s Office to bring awareness on the hazards of these batteries and give residents more opportunities to safely dispose of these items at our East and Ezell Convenience Centers.”
Residents are encouraged to check their homes for devices containing lithium-ion batteries. Common products include cell phones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, power tools, portable chargers, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, digital cameras, smartwatches, cordless vacuums and flashlights.
Of Nashville’s four convenience centers, two accept lithium-ion batteries for proper disposal.
The Ezell Pike Convenience Center, 3254 Ezell Pike, and East Convenience Center, 943 Dr. Richard G. Adams Drive, accept the batteries.
Both locations are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and are closed on Metro holidays.
Fire Prevention Week is one of the nation’s longest-running public safety observances and traces its history to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Each year, the campaign focuses on practical steps residents can take to reduce fire risks in their homes and communities.
