We live in a wireless world. Rechargeable lithium batteries are our smartphones, laptops and watches. They power weed eaters and power tools. Lithium batteries provide more energy than standard batteries, last longer and are rechargeable. While we all enjoy these powerful, cordless products, must people are unaware that these batteries can cause fires if they are thrown away in trash or recycling carts.

St. Lucie County’s landfill and recycling center has had several fires on site caused by lithium batteries. Fires in solid waste collection trucks also can be caused by these batteries.

Here are some options to safely dispose of batteries and protect your home and our community from lithium battery fires. Residents can take all your rechargeable batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste drop off area at the St. Lucie County landfill, 6120 Glades Cut Off Road in Fort Pierce, Fla. 34981. There is no cost for St. Lucie County residents to use this drop site. Additionally big box retailers will take rechargeable batteries at drop boxes inside their stores.

What items contain lithium batteries and require special disposal?

Laptops, e-cigarettes and vape pens, smartphones, watches, and rechargeable power tool batteries are just a few items to look out for. As you buy rechargeable items, check for disposal information which may just appear as a trash can with an “X” through it. This means the item probably has a lithium battery and must be managed separately.

The only way to prevent these fires is to manage your batteries properly. Know before you throw.

Rechargeable batteries can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.  Do not put them in recycling carts or household trash. 

Residents of St. Lucie County may bring rechargeable batteries (including vehicle batteries and cell phones) to the Solid Waste Baling & Recycling Facility for free!

Single-use alkaline batteries can be put in your household garbage for disposal. They aren't considered hazardous waste. 

To drop off Rechargeable Batteries - 
Upon entering our facility, drive straight ahead to the scale house, pull up on the scale closest to the building, let the operator know what items you are dropping off and they will direct you.

Solid Waste Baling & Recycling Facility
6120 Glades Cut-Off Road 
Fort Pierce, FL 34981

Monday - Friday Hours:
7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Hand Unloaders must be on the Scale by 4:15 p.m.)
Saturday Hours:
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Hand Unloaders must be on the Scale by 12:15 p.m.)

Phone: 772-462-1768
Email: solidwaste@stlucieco.org