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Bedford County recycling report warns residents to tape lithium batteries; glass hauling, tonnage updated
Summary
County staff warned residents that improperly prepared lithium batteries can cause fires and explosions when recycled, and reported higher recycling tonnage and modest revenue for glass collections; details and convenience-center schedules were shared ahead of Thanksgiving.
Speaker 3, identified in the meeting as a county recycling/solid-waste staff member, told the board that lithium (rechargeable) batteries can be “very dangerous when they are not handled or stored properly” and urged residents to tape battery ends before taking them to recycling centers to prevent contacts that can spark fires or explosions.
The speaker said the Unionville compactor should begin accepting compacted cardboard by the end of the month and reported that the county’s glass collection weighed nearly 15 tons the first time it was pulled; the county is receiving roughly $10 per ton for that material. Speaker 3 said total recycling tonnage for the period was about 101.16 tons and reported recycling revenue of roughly $9,003.06. The speaker added that new residents have been calling to ask where centers are located and what their hours are, and reminded the public that convenience centers will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen Saturday on their regular schedule.
Other participants discussed measuring residential recycling separately; one attendee reported that residential-only recycling currently makes up about 25 percent of the county’s recycling total and noted the county is directing grant funds to expand options. Speaker 3 also said that Casper Cans (CFC in Tullahoma) is accepting the county’s news and mixed paper and that markets are uncertain, limiting revenue.
The county advised residents to tape battery terminals and follow posted instructions at convenience centers. Staff said signs and website updates will be posted to help residents find center locations and hours.
The matter was presented as information; no separate formal vote was required. The county’s recycling and solid-waste staff will continue outreach and post updated guidance online.
