SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Allen County Department of Environmental Management is using a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand battery recycling throughout the county. In partnership with Purdue University Fort Wayne, the department is launching a public awareness campaign called Stop the Spark to educate residents on the best practices of battery safety.

The goal of the three-year effort is to reduce fire incidents caused by lithium-ion batteries, which can swell and catch fire. “There’s a lot of dangers that come with batteries for both personal safety and home safety and the environment,” said Betsy Perry Patton, communications and outreach coordinator for the Allen County Department of Environmental Management. “So we hope to help educate the public about those dangers so they can be better prepared for how to manage those batteries when they come to the end of their life.”

The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Allen County was one of only seven counties nationwide to receive a grant. Allen County has had 14 reported fires caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries in 2024, and the department aims to reduce that number by at least 50% over the three-year project period.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com