Pennsylvania’s waste and recycling industry is teaming up with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to raise awareness about a growing number of fires caused by the improper disposal of rechargeable batteries in recycling containers and trash bags.

“America Recycles Day” is Wednesday and state residents are reminded that recycling is a convenient way to make a positive difference on the environment as well as the importance of knowing what can be safely thrown into the recycling bin or garbage bag.

Rechargeable batteries power everything from cellphones to laptops to children’s toys. While not all rechargeable batteries contain lithium, many longer-life batteries increasingly do.

“The incorrect disposal of lithium batteries in recycling bins and trash bags is leading to dangerous fires that threaten the safety of waste and recycling workers, emergency responders and the general public,” said Mary Keenan, executive director of the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association (PWIA). “As more rechargeable batteries get improperly placed in curbside residential waste or recycling bins, the safety risks related to their combustibility are increasing.”

“Fires caused by rechargeable batteries present a variety of unique challenges for first responders, as they burn hotter and are difficult to completely extinguish,” Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook said. “As we head into the holiday shopping season, where so many popular devices are being bought for the first time, or even replaced, we want everyone to know how important it is to follow the manufacturer’s directions, and proper disposal practices.”

Consumer information about proper disposal, including local drop-off locations, can be found at Call2Recycle. Insert your Zip code to find a convenient drop-off location - such as Home Depot, Lowe’s or other similar big box stores - that accepts used rechargeable batteries. Additional information can be found at the recently launched Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, which is dedicated to questions on lithium-ion batteries.