In The News

September 9, 2025, (WTTG) Michael E. Hoffman from the National Waste and Recycling Foundation (NWRF) warns the DC-metro area about the significant fire risk posed by modern batteries, especially lithium-ion types, and shares details about NWRF's new campaign encouraging people to properly dispose of batteries. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service NWRF and mascot, Woodsy Owl, have a new message to share with the public, encouraging people to "Skip the bin, turn your batteries in."

For safe disposal, Hoffman advises against throwing any batteries in the trash or recycling bin. Instead, recommends people tape the ends to cover the contact points and take them to a designated drop-off location. He recommends using the zip code locator on batterysafetynow.org to find nearby drop-off sites.