2021-095 Battery Diversion EventsDate: November 12, 2021 Report No. 2021-095
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Battery Diversion Events aimed at increasing battery diversion, while increasing battery hazard
awareness and participation of the Household Chemical Collection (HCC) program to help
mitigate collection safety hazards.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Denton Solid Waste and Recycling Department (SWR) identified battery
contamination as a significant issue at our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and landfill.
Batteries, especially lithium ion batteries, that are disposed of inappropriately provide a significant
fire risk to city staff, collection vehicles, the landfill, and the (MRF). Batteries may pose a fire
risk as they are compacted in our collection vehicles and go through processing equipment at the
MRF and landfill. Lithium ion batteries can explode when crushed.
DISCUSSION:
The Battery Diversion Initiative proposes to host community events to increase used battery
collection and diversion and educate residents on best battery recycling practices. The events will
provide a reduction in battery contamination at the City landfill and MRF and reduce the risk of
fire hazards to our collection vehicles. Within this initiative, staff will use a program model that
has proven successful in the past and gather data to further improve our processes.
The events will be open to City of Denton residents to bring in their used batteries for recycling.
The products will be gathered by HCC staff and transported back to the office for safe disposal.
While participants are dropping off their batteries, they will also be able to ask HCC and Outreach
staff about other recycling opportunities through the HCC program or third-party companies, and
be provided with educational materials. The goal is to increase awareness and promote safe
recycling practices in the community. Below is a schedule of the upcoming events.
Schedule of Events:
November 6, 2021 - Robson Ranch HOA 10:00AM-12:00PM
November 13, 2021 - North Lakes Park 10:00AM-12:00PM
March 26, 2022 - MLK Recreation Center 10:00AM-12:00PM
April 23, 2022 - South Lakes Park 10:00AM-12:00PM
STAFF CONTACT:
Brian Boerner, Solid Waste and Recycling
REQUESTOR:
Staff Initiated
PARTICPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Solid Waste & Recycling and Public Outreach