NWRA Commends Senators on Resolution Raising Awareness of Lithium Battery Dangers
Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) commends Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and John Boozman (R-AR) for introducing a Senate Resolution designating June 18-25 as “National Firefighter Safety Week” to raise awareness of the risk associated with the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Sens. Carper and Boozman noted in their press release that lithium-ion batteries often cause fires in landfills and recycling facilities, creating unique challenges for firefighters and first responders.
“Lithium-ion battery fires caused by improper recycling or disposal are increasingly impacting the waste and recycling industry, resulting in heavy damage to or total losses of our members’ collection trucks and materials recovery facilities,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “Each of these fires can cost the industry hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars while also endangering the lives of firefighters and first responders who answer the call. We greatly appreciate congressional recognition of this safety stand down and the public attention it brings to this serious danger.”
NWRA urges consumers to safely dispose of lithium batteries by returning them to hardware stores and checking with local authorities.
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ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
Contact
Brandon Wright
National Waste & Recycling Association
bwright@wasterecycling.org
202-364-3706
