Woodsy Owl is back!

The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) has doubled down on preventing fires in the solid waste industry. The leading cause of truck and facility fires is the improper disposal of batteries, typically lithium-ion. From phones and laptops to toys and tools, many of our favorite things run on batteries. But when tossed in the trash or recycling bin, these batteries can spark intense fires that are nearly impossible to stop.

Battery fires are happening more often. They’ve destroyed homes, burned down garbage trucks and recycling centers, and—tragically—taken lives. When a facility goes up in flames, trash and recycling services can be shut down for weeks or even months. The good news? Battery fires are easy to prevent, and Woodsy Owl is here to help! Remember Woodsy, give a hoot, don't pollute? Well, NWRA has partnered with Woodsy Owl to help get the word out on how to properly dispose of all those batteries. Check out batterysafetynow.org to find a drop off site near you, and remember to skip the bin, and turn your batteries in!

Just remember: never throw batteries in the trash or recycling bin. Always tape the ends and drop them off at a safe collection site or mail them in using a certified return box. Find locations near you at batterysafetynow.org and learn more about NWRA including advocacy, safety, and engagement initiatives for its members at wasterecycling.org.