Stop, Think, and Don’t Toss
At Reliable Sanitation, we take safety seriously — for our employees, our customers, and our communities. Unfortunately, one of the biggest safety risks we face on our routes today is something many people don’t even think twice about: lithium batteries.
From cell phones and e-cigarettes to power tools and toys, lithium and rechargeable batteries are found in hundreds of everyday items. But when these batteries are tossed into household trash or recycling totes, they can spark fires inside collection trucks or at processing facilities.
And it’s not just a small issue — we’ve had multiple truck fires caused by lithium batteries in recent years. These fires can destroy equipment, endanger our drivers, and put nearby homes and vehicles at risk.
⚠️ Why Lithium Batteries Are Dangerous
Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries store a large amount of energy in a small package. If crushed, punctured, or exposed to heat, they can short-circuit, overheat, and ignite spontaneously.
🔋 Common Household Items That Contain Lithium Batteries
- Cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smart watches
- Power tools and cordless equipment
- Vape pens and e-cigarettes
- Wireless headphones and speakers
- Digital cameras and handheld game devices
- Electric toothbrushes and shavers
- Remote control cars, drones, and toys
♻️ Safe Disposal Options
- Check for local drop-off sites (like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Batteries Plus).
- Tape battery terminals and store them safely until drop-off.
🔥 Help Us Keep Our Crews and Community Safe
Every time a lithium battery ends up in the trash, it puts our employees, trucks, and neighborhoods at risk. By taking a few extra minutes to dispose of these batteries properly, you’re helping Reliable Sanitation protect the community we’re proud to serve.
Reliable Service You Can Count On
Don’t let waste management be a headache. Whether it’s routine curbside service or a fast-response roll-off dumpsters for your next project, our team ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.
