MARION, Iowa — The City of Marion has launched a new program to help residents safely dispose of household batteries, partnering with the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency to provide free drop-off sites.
City officials say improper disposal of batteries can lead to fires, explosions and environmental contamination. Some batteries contain hazardous chemicals that can leach into soil and waterways if sent to a landfill.
Public Works Director Mike Barkalow said the new effort follows a recent incident involving city sanitation crews. “Earlier this fall, a fire broke out in one of our garbage trucks. The fire was caused by a lithium battery that wasn’t disposed of properly,” Barkalow said. “Thankfully, there were no injuries or significant damage, but it serves as an important reminder that batteries should never be placed in recycling bins or household trash.”…