DANE COUNTY, Wis. (Oct. 9, 2025) — Pellitteri Waste Systems is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recover lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly and disposed of properly, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.

“In recent years, several area recycling centers have experienced catastrophic damage from fires that are believed to have been started from lithium-ion batteries,” says Pellitteri Waste Systems President David Pellitteri. “Recycling Centers are particularly sensitive to fires because of the amount of paper and cardboard being recycled there. Each one of these fires has the potential to not just knock out local infrastructure, but also to threaten the lives of our workers, which is why proper disposal of batteries is so important.”

To reduce the risk of fire, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries — and follow the Buy, Charge, and Recover Safely approach.

Buy only listed products.

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

• Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Dispose of batteries responsibly.

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire. If you need to charge it… it has a battery. Don’t throw it out.
• Taking your batteries or battery-containing devices to a nearby drop-off site is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a location near you. In Dane County, Batteries Plus stores and the Dane County Clean Sweep location accept lithium-ion batteries.

Resources

• For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, including tip sheets, coloring pages and other resources, visit fpw.org.
• Read Pellitteri’s Opinion Editorial: Safely Managing the Disposal of Rechargeable Batteries: A Call for Public Awareness and Policy Action.
• Watch this short video on the dangers of batteries.

About the National Fire Protection Association

Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit nfpa.org.

About Pellitteri Waste Systems

Pellitteri Waste Systems is a Madison-based, family-owned and operated waste disposal and recycling company focused on providing needs-based solutions and outstanding customer service. Pellitteri has a proud tradition of service and community involvement and currently serves more than 80,000 households for waste and recycling collection throughout Southern Wisconsin. Pellitteri offers environmental leadership, stewardship, and innovation, as shown by their constant work to recycle better and more items at their local recycling facility. Learn more at pellitteri.com/news.