CHARLOTTE, N.C. (News Release) — Mecklenburg County Solid Waste is urging residents and businesses to not throw away lithium-ion batteries after three fires sparked at our facilities on Monday, April 14, 2025.
The first fire happened at 11:45 a.m. at the Foxhole Landfill & Recycling Center. One Solid Waste employee spotted the fire and quickly reported it. He and two other employees utilized a water truck to extinguish the fire. They found a large (car-sized) lithium-ion battery while extinguishing the fire.
Less than three hours later, at 3:15 p.m., a fire sparked when a customer tried to destroy an iPad with a hammer. The customer said he was trying to destroy the device to prevent anyone from obtaining his information. Hitting the iPad damaged the battery and caused it to catch fire. Solid Waste employees utilized a fire blanket to put it out and educated the resident on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
Just before 7 p.m., a third fire broke out at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). It occurred on the tipping floor, where trucks dump their recyclables. Staff found an electronic device with a battery still inside of it. A loader operator quickly called out the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, and there were no damage or injuries.
Mecklenburg County Solid Waste reminds customers (residential and businesses) to not throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. They will cause fires inside trash cans, during transport, and at landfills and recycling facilities. Lithium-ion batteries react with air and will combust. If you are confused about what type of battery you have, please bring it to us. Residents and commercial businesses can bring any lithium-ion batteries to one of our four full-service centers for proper disposal.
