Grand Cayman (GIS) – The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) reminds the community to safely dispose of batteries that have reached their end of life.

Batteries that have been improperly disposed of can damage the environment, harm people and cause fires officials note. They explain that batteries can spark and ignite fire due to pressure and heat experienced while being transported to the landfill in a garbage collection truck, or when pushed around further after arrival at the landfill.

“In addition batteries contain metals that can be toxic to human and environmental health. For this reason we strongly recommend using the many drop-off points for battery recycling across Grand Cayman. Proper disposal avoids the potential for water and air pollution or any negative impact on human health”, notes Assistant Director (Solid Waste Management), Michael Haworth.

Drop-off points for recycling household batteries are listed on the Department of Environmental Health website, www.deh.gov.ky. To view the list which includes many schools and supermarkets, interested persons should click through to the solid waste management page from the home page. They must then click through to the recycling page, and scroll down to the ‘How to recycle the following:’ section. Household batteries may also be taken to the landfill.

Large batteries and lead acid batteries may be taken to the 24-hour drop-off site at any landfill on the three Islands, or to any local garage. Lead acid batteries may also be taken to any retailer that sells such batteries.

While all hazardous materials should be brought to the George Town Landfill for proper processing and disposal, persons should first contact the solid waste office at 949-8793.