Following the recent fire at the Reno County Landfill, local officials are reminding residents to properly dispose of household hazardous waste — including batteries — to prevent future incidents.
The Reno County Landfill, located at 4015 West Clark Road, accepts items such as old paint, cleaning products, pesticides, fertilizers, automotive fluids, and batteries during normal operating hours. Upon arrival, residents should inform staff of the materials they are bringing so they can be directed to the proper unloading area.
In the wake of the fire, the Hutchinson Fire Department issued a public statement emphasizing the particular danger of improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in devices such as phones, laptops, and power tools.
“With the increase in lithium-ion batteries in our households, they need to be disposed of properly,” the department said. “Please locate your closest lithium-ion battery recycling drop-off location and dispose of them there instead of in your household waste containers.”
Locations in Reno County other than the landfill that you can take used Lithium-Ion batteries for recycling in Hutchinson are, Harbor Freight, Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Officials stress that safe disposal of hazardous materials is essential to protecting the community, landfill workers, and the environment.
For more information on hazardous waste disposal, residents are encouraged to contact the Reno County Landfill or visit the county’s website. (LINK)