Bend Rotary clubs host free lithium-ion battery recycling event

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —Three Bend-area Rotary clubs will host a free community lithium-ion battery recycling event on Saturday, April 25, to provide residents with a safe way to dispose of old rechargeable devices. Mt. Bachelor Rotary, Bend Rotary and Greater Bend Rotary are partnering to collect items ranging from smartphones to power-tool batteries at multiple locations throughout the city.

Drive-Through Collection Locations (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.):

• Unitarian Universalist Fellowship – 61980 NW Skyline Ranch Rd.
• Nativity Lutheran Church – 60850 Brosterhous Rd.
• Deschutes Children's Foundation East Campus – 2125 NE Daggett Ln.

Additional Drop-Off Booth (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.):

• Alpenglow Park – 61049 SE 15th St. (during the Environmental Center's Earth Day Celebration)

The event comes as local officials highlight the dangers of improper battery disposal. Staff at the Deschutes County Landfill recently reported an average of one fire per week caused by lithium-ion batteries that were placed in regular trash or recycling bins. The collection effort aims to reduce these hazards while recovering valuable materials for domestic manufacturing.

The event is strictly limited to lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and electric toothbrushes. Residents can also bring power-tool batteries, rechargeable vacuums and wireless headphones. Organizers noted that other forms of electronic waste, including power cords, flat-screen televisions, printers, copiers, and loose circuit boards, will not be accepted at these locations.

Recycling these batteries allows for the recovery of more than 95% of the contained metals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper. According to the organizing clubs, these materials can be reused to create new batteries and sustainable energy products within the United States. Currently, only about 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled nationwide, often because consumers are unaware of safe disposal methods.

Beyond environmental benefits, the event aims to improve local landfill safety. Staff at the Deschutes County Landfill recently reported that the facility averages one fire per week due to lithium-ion batteries that were disposed of inappropriately. By providing a dedicated recycling day, the Rotary clubs intend to keep these hazardous materials out of the general waste stream.

Community members seeking more information about lithium-ion battery recycling or tips on locating old batteries in their homes can visit redwoodmaterials.com/recyclewithus/.