VERMILLION, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The City of Vermillion is issuing a public safety alert regarding the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries in households across the area.

“The public may not realize that a small, discarded battery in their trash can lead to a catastrophic fire,” said Matt Callahan, Fire/EMS Chief, “We’re asking everyone to take steps to protect our community and the environment.”

Vermillion’s landfill has experienced three fires in the last three weeks, all of them attributed to the improper disposal of rechargeable lithium batteries.

Tim Taggart, Solid Waste Director in Vermillion, says residents should never throw rechargeable batteries in the trash or recycling. The batteries can be accepted at the annual Household Hazardous Waste Event, which will take pla

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