The Lakewood Fire Department is reminding all residents about the critical importance of properly disposing of lithium-ion batteries, following an incident earlier today in which a garbage truck began smoking during its route.

Responding units quickly arrived on scene, and upon the truck dumping its contents, firefighters discovered a significant number of discarded lithium-ion batteries had ignited, causing a fire within the load. Crews were able to extinguish the blaze before it could cause further damage or injury.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in cell phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools, and other electronics and can be extremely dangerous if damaged or improperly disposed of. When punctured, crushed, or exposed to heat, these batteries can overheat, ignite, or even explode. Disposing of them in household garbage or recycling bins puts sanitation workers, fire crews, and the public at risk.

The Lakewood Fire Department reminds residents:

• Never throw lithium-ion batteries in household trash or recycling bins.
• Always bring used batteries to a proper drop-off site, such as the Ocean County Recycling Center or other designated collection facilities.
• Store batteries safely until disposal. Keep them in a cool, dry place and away from flammable materials.
• If a battery is bulging, leaking, or overheating, handle it with extreme care and seek immediate guidance from a disposal facility or dial 911

“Today’s incident was a clear example of how quickly discarded batteries can become a serious hazard,” said Chief Yahr. “Proper disposal not only protects our waste management workers, but it also prevents fires that can threaten homes, vehicles, and lives.”

For more information on proper disposal locations, visit the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management website, or contact their recycling center directly at (732) 905-4457, located at 601 New Hampshire Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701.