Nationally, landfills have seen an increase in fires, and waste and recycling facility fires are up 31 percent heading into the historical holiday spike, according to Crow Wing County officials.
These fires can be caused by fire hazards such as lithium ion batteries, pressurized tanks/containers, fuels, fertilizers, propane tanks, aerosols and more.
Lithium batteries are the cause for the increase in fires at the Crow Wing County Landfill, according to a news release, and when residents throw rechargeable lithium batteries away, they can easily start fires as they discharge.
Any rechargeable battery will be accepted at no charge as part of the county's household hazardous waste program. For questions about the program's event dates, call 218-839-0854.
Batteries are also accepted for recycling free of charge at the landfill. The battery box is located in the recycling area and is accessible during regular landfill operating hours.
