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Fire Prevention Reminder: Protect What Matters – Be Battery Safe

Although Fire Prevention Week was in October, fire safety is essential year-round. The Drumheller & District Solid Waste Management Association (DDSWMA) continues to partner with Call2Recycle, Canada’s leading battery collection and recycling organization, to promote battery safety through the national campaign: “Protect What Matters. Be Battery Safe.”

Why Lithium Battery Safety Matters

Lithium batteries power everyday items—phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and more. But when they’re improperly disposed of, they can become dangerous. At landfills and recycling facilities, these batteries may be crushed or punctured by heavy equipment, triggering thermal runaway—a reaction that ignites the battery’s internal components.

These fires:

  • Are extremely difficult to extinguish
  • Can reignite unexpectedly
  • Pose serious risks to workers and infrastructure


The Drumheller & District Regional Landfill has experienced such incidents firsthand, underscoring the urgent need for safe battery disposal.

How You Can Help Prevent Fires

1. Remove and Recycle Batteries Properly
Before discarding devices, remove the batteries if possible. If the battery cannot be removed, recycle the entire device at the Drumheller & District Regional Landfill Recycling Facility—free of charge.

Common devices with lithium batteries:

  • Laptops, tablets, mobile phones
  • Smartwatches, power banks, vapes
  • Cordless vacuums, power tools, e-bikes, e-vehicles
  • Drones, scooters, camping gear, toys, video game controllers

 

2. Watch for Damaged Batteries
Damaged batteries can be hazardous. Look for signs such as:

  • Swelling
  • Corrosion
  • Leaking
  • Burnt spots

 

If you find a damaged battery:

  • Place it in a non-metal container
  • Store it outdoors in a cool location

 

3. Recycle Batteries for Free
You can safely dispose of your batteries at the Drumheller & District Regional Landfill at no cost.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Battery safety is a shared responsibility. By following these simple steps, we can prevent fires, protect workers, and contribute to a safer environment.

Let’s work together to protect what matters most—every day, not just during Fire Prevention Week!