MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Berkeley County officials are urging residents to think twice before throwing away old lithium-ion batteries, warning that improper disposal can create serious fire and explosion hazards at local waste facilities.
The reminder comes as the county works to reduce the risk of fires at its landfill and convenience centers, where damaged, defective or recalled lithium-ion batteries can ignite if crushed, punctured or exposed to extreme conditions.
County officials emphasized that lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in household garbage or recycling bins.
Growing Fire Risk at Waste Facilities
Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of everyday devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, power tools, e-bikes and rechargeable household electronics…