SUMMIT, NJ - Residents are encouraged to learn how to dispose of spent household batteries properly, and Union County has a recycling solution that can expedite the educational process, protect life and property, and be kind on the environment as well.

An increasing number of fires linked to improper battery disposal are occurring in waste hauling trucks, landfills and recycling facilities. Battery fires send clouds of noxious smoke into the air, expose workers to risk of injury, and raise costs for emergency response.

The rule of thumb is that only single-use alkaline batteries can go into household trash. These batteries are clearly marked “alkaline” on the package.