COVINGTON, Ky. — From smartphones and laptops to power tools, remote controls, toys, and even those singing greeting cards, batteries power many of the items we use every day. But when those batteries reach the end of their useful life, knowing how to dispose of them properly is important to keep the environment and our community safe.
In recognition of America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, the City of Covington's Solid Waste and Recycling Division is encouraging residents to take part in the "Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!" awareness campaign.
Batteries contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused through proper recycling. However, batteries tossed into household trash or recycling containers can create serious hazards. They may be damaged or crushed during collection and processing, potentially causing fires in garbage trucks or recycling and waste-management facilities.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in rechargeable electronics, power tools, e-scooters, and other devices, pose a particular fire risk. When overheated or subjected to excessive pressure, these batteries can experience a process called thermal runaway — a self-sustaining chain reaction that causes temperatures to rise rapidly and can result in fires or explosions.
Even batteries that no longer power a device can retain significant amounts of energy, making proper disposal especially important.
A convenient local option for disposing lithium-ion batteries
Since July 2025, the Covington Fire Department has partnered with the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub to provide residents with convenient, free drop-off locations for lithium-ion batteries at two fire stations: Company 1 and Company 5.
Since the program began, the two Covington locations have collected a combined 137.6 pounds of lithium-ion batteries. Company 1 has collected 131.4 pounds, while Company 5 has collected 6.2 pounds. These collections help keep potentially hazardous materials out of the waste stream and provide an opportunity for valuable materials to be recovered and reused.
Company 1
- 100 East Robbins St.
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Parking is available in the fire station parking lot. Use the side entrance on East Robbins Street and press the entry button.
Company 5
- 1255 Hands Pike
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Parking is available between the fire station and the park. Use the front entrance on the Hands Pike side to access the drop-off location.
Please note: These two fire station locations accept lithium-ion batteries only. They do not accept traditional alkaline batteries, automotive batteries, or other battery types.
Residents can find additional participating fire station locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky through the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub's battery collection program.
Small steps make a big difference
Proper battery disposal is a simple way residents can help protect their homes and community while keeping valuable materials out of the landfill.
The City encourages residents to learn more about battery safety, proper disposal practices, and additional drop-off options by visiting Battery Safety Now.
Residents should also watch their mailboxes for a direct mailer from the City's Solid Waste and Recycling Division with additional information about battery safety and steps they can take to dispose of batteries responsibly.