Today the Kingston Fire Department reported a fire broke out deep within a pile of recyclables at a Kingston commercial facility on Monday. Firefighters responded quickly, but a faulty hydrant forced them to adapt on the fly — relaying water engine-to-engine to battle the flames. Despite the setback, crews swiftly brought the fire under control.
The cause: improperly discarded rechargeable batteries.
Though generally safe during everyday use, these batteries — especially lithium-ion types found in phones, laptops, and power tools — can become dangerous when damaged or compacted. Tossing them in the trash or curbside recycling can spark fires in trucks or facilities, just like this one.
In New York State, rechargeable batteries must be taken to designated drop-off sites. Many retailers that sell these batteries or battery-powered products are legally required to accept used batteries for recycling. Covered types include lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and sealed lead-acid batteries, as well as battery packs containing these. More information on proper disposal can be found on the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website.
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