Trash Talk

Shannon Thompson

Rechargeable battery damaged by equipment on fire at the Clay County Resource Recovery Center.
Each year over two billion household batteries are purchased in the United States to power a variety of products. Rechargeable and button batteries continue to hold a small amount of energy, called a “residual” charge which may be released as heat or fire if the batteries are damaged or punctured.
Single use alkaline batteries do not require special disposal. All batteries with the words “Alkaline or Alcaline”, “General Use” or “Carbon Zinc” on the label are ok to be put in the trash. These batteries may be placed in the garbage. Their recyclable content is very low and they are not a fire hazard.
Rechargeable and button batteries placed in your garbage or recycling may be damaged by equipment. If they are damaged by a compactor truck, landfill equipment, or transfer station equipment they can cause a fire. Improper disposal of rechargeable and button batteries has resulted in truck fires, landfill fires, and the complete destruction of several recycling facilities in Minnesota.
Clay County accepts rechargeable and button batteries for recycling at the Clay County Landfill near Hawley and the Clay County Resource Recovery Facility in Moorhead. Please cover the contact points on batteries with clear packing tape before transporting them.
Batteries Accepted at Clay County Battery Recycling Sites:
• Nickel Cadmium- Commonly found in cordless power tools, cordless phones, digital cameras and video cameras, and two-way radios.
• Nickel Metal Hydride- Commonly found in cellphones, cordless power tools, cordless phones, digital cameras, and two-way radios.
• Lithium Ion- Commonly found in cordless power tools, digital cameras, laptop computers, and cellphones.
• Sealed Lead Acid- Commonly found in mobility scooters, fire emergency devices, emergency exit signs, vehicles, and UPS back-up batteries.
• Button batteries- Commonly found in hearing aids and watches.

If you have questions about the program or other solid waste disposal issues in Clay County, please call or email me at Shannon Thompson at 218 299-7329 or Shannon.thompson@co.clay.mn.us.