CAMILLUS, N.Y. — A fire in Camillus is being used to warn people of the dangers of throwing batteries in the trash.
According to the Fairmount Fire Department, crews responded to a fire on Thornton Circle. The operator of a garbage truck said there was a fire within the trash compartment. The operator dumped the load on the street so the fire could be put out. According to the department, the fire started due to a lithium-ion battery that was thrown out.
“As a reminder, batteries should never be disposed of in the trash due to the risk of fire and environmental hazards. Residents of Onondaga County are encouraged to recycle batteries through approved collection programs operated by the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) and participating retailers. Rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and button/coin batteries should be properly prepared for recycling by taping terminals or placing them in individual plastic bags prior to drop-off. Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V) can be recycled at participating retail locations. Proper battery disposal helps protect sanitation workers, recycling facilities, first responders, and the environment from preventable fires and contamination,” the department posted to Facebook…