GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Small batteries that power our everyday gadgets can cause big problems. Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming more of a common occurrence, often because they’re improperly disposed of.
“We’re definitely seeing an uptick on lithium-ion battery fires,” Grand Rapids Fire Marshal Bill Smith said. “Seconds count when these fires occur with these lithium-ion battery devices. It’s explosive.”
Recycling center fire blamed on lithium-ion battery
Nonprofit Comprenew in Grand Rapids works with about 2,700 corporate customers across Michigan and thousands of people throwing away everyday goods. It gives old devices new life by trying to reuse and refurbish parts. Some gadgets even end up on shelves for sale.
But not everything can be reused. Those items are manually processed and sorted into bins…