Warning about fires from improperly disposed rechargeable batteries

APPLETON, WI — Outagamie County authorities says there are proper ways to dispose of rechargeable batteries, though that doesn’t include tossing them into trash or recycle bins. The Appleton Fire Department and Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste Department are posting photos on Facebook of batteries that caught fire in a metal bin. The post says the batteries came to the recycling center from a curbside bin and ignited after being punctured or damaged. The fire was put out before spreading to nearby paper. Officials say the best bet is to bring old lithium-ion batteries separately to a recycling center or to battery stores that take them for safe disposal. For tips on safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries click here.