SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Marion has teamed up with the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency to introduce free battery recycling drop-off points for residents. This initiative comes in response to recent incidents of fires caused by improperly discarded batteries, including cases in both Linn County and Iowa City.

“Earlier this fall, one of our garbage trucks caught fire due to a lithium battery being thrown away incorrectly,” explained Mike Barkalow, Marion Public Works Director. “Fortunately, no one was hurt, and damage was minimal. This incident highlights the importance of keeping batteries out of trash and recycling bins.”

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Standard household batteries are generally safe, but lithium-ion batteries provide significant fire and environmental threats, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When these batteries end up in landfills, they can release toxic chemicals, contaminating soil and waterways and threatening public health.

To make safe disposal easier, Marion is placing battery drop-off boxes at two convenient locations: the Marion Public Library at 1101 6th Avenue and the Marion Recycling Center at 195 35th Street. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these free, environmentally responsible recycling options to protect the community and the planet.