Discarded Lithium-ion Battery Sparks Fire in Rutherfordton Trash Truck

A discarded lithium-ion battery sparked a fire inside a Town of Rutherfordton garbage truck Wednesday morning, putting the driver, firefighters and a nearly new collection truck at risk. 

In an emailed statement, Town Manager Doug Barrick told WCAB News, "A device containing a lithium-ion battery ignited inside a Town of Rutherfordton solid waste truck Wednesday morning, underscoring the serious danger these batteries pose when placed in household trash. At approximately 11:00 a.m., the driver had completed collections in the Southridge neighborhood and was traveling to the landfill when he noticed smoke and then small flames through the truck’s hopper camera. He immediately pulled over at the former car wash at the intersection of Tanner Street and South Main Street, called 911, and used a fire extinguisher to keep the fire under control until the Rutherfordton Fire Department arrived. Firefighters contained the fire and unloaded the truck so the burning material could be fully extinguished.

The driver was not injured. An investigation by the Rutherfordton Fire and Police departments identified a discarded battery-powered pool cleaner containing a lithium-ion battery pack as the apparent point of origin. The incident appears to have been accidental. “One battery was enough to place an employee, responding firefighters and a nearly new collection truck at risk,” Town Manager Doug Barrick said. “Our driver remained calm, followed his training and made decisions that prevented this from becoming a much larger emergency. We are asking every resident to help protect our crews: never place a rechargeable battery or a device containing one in a trash or recycling cart.”

The truck, which is a little more than one year old, was driven safely back to the Public Works shop. Initial inspections found no ruptured hydraulic lines or other major mechanical damage, with visible damage appearing primarily limited to paint. The truck has been removed from service as a precaution and will be inspected by the body dealer on Monday.

Lithium-ion batteries store significant energy in a small space. When crushed, punctured or damaged inside a collection truck, they can overheat, ignite nearby waste and create a rapidly spreading fire. The batteries are found in cellphones, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, scooters, lawn equipment, pool equipment and many other rechargeable devices.

Beginning December 1, 2026, North Carolina law will prohibit knowingly disposing of lithium-ion batteries in landfills or permitted incinerators. The prohibition also applies to devices that still contain lithium-ion batteries.

Residents should:

• Never place rechargeable batteries or devices containing them in household trash or curbside recycling carts.

• Never attempt to remove a battery that is permanently embedded in a device.

• Take batteries and battery-powered devices only to an approved drop-off location.

• Contact the drop-off location before visiting to confirm that it accepts the particular battery or device.

• Treat swollen, leaking, damaged, unusually hot or smoking batteries as an immediate safety hazard. If a battery is smoking or actively overheating, move away from it and call 911. 

The closest currently identified retail drop-off location is:

Lowe’s Home Improvement184 Lowes BoulevardForest City, NC 28043

The location is listed as accepting rechargeable, cellphone and high-energy batteries. Residents should contact Lowe’s before visiting to confirm that their particular battery or device can be accepted. 

Additional drop-off locations may be found through The Battery Network’s location finder.

Rutherford County does not currently operate a dedicated lithium-ion battery collection program. The Town and Rutherfordton Fire Department are gathering information about potential collection options, required safety measures and available grant assistancein advance of the deadline for the new law.

Additional battery-safety information and public education materials are available from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Skip the bin. Turn your batteries in."