Lithium-ion battery disposal campaign enlists Woodsy Owl to boost awareness
The NWRF worked with the national forest service to boost public awareness of proper lithium-ion battery handling
The National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and its iconic mascot Woodsy Owl, has launched a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign. Focused on the urgent issue of improper battery disposal, especially lithium-ion batteries, the campaign highlights the serious fire risks posed when these batteries end up in recycling or waste bins.
At the heart of this campaign is Woodsy Owl, the conservation mascot. Recognized for his iconic message, "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute," Woodsy has re-emerged with a critical new directive: "Skip the Bin—Turn Your Batteries In!" His familiar presence in this campaign aims to instill a sense of trust and reliability in our audience.
Reducing the risk of improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide range of household products, including flashlights, remote controls, smoke detectors, wireless headphones, e-scooters and bikes, power tools, and even singing birthday cards. When disposed of improperly, these batteries in waste or recycling bins can overheat, get crushed, explode, and start fires that are difficult to extinguish. This risk poses significant danger to sanitation workers, disposal facilities, and entire neighborhoods.
Woodsy Owl will provide community engagement activities across Washington state, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., to help people of all ages understand how to safely dispose of batteries and inspire everyday habits that protect workers, neighborhoods, and families. These events will feature interactive experiences like battery drop-off stations and safety quizzes to spark conversation, raise awareness, and encourage families to take immediate action.
"Woodsy has been inspiring Americans to care for the planet for over 50 years — and now he's lending his voice to raise awareness about one of the most urgent safety issues facing our communities and our industry today," said Michael E. Hoffman, NWRF president and CEO.
"Most people don't realize how dangerous it is to throw away something as common as loose spent batteries, a laptop, a cell phone, a children's toy, or a power tool battery. Fires caused by improperly discarded batteries pose a serious risk to our communities, our waste and recycling facilities, frontline workers, and the neighborhoods they serve. This is the kind of partnership that turns awareness into action, and small steps into real safety."
"Woodsy Owl has encouraged kids and families to care for the world around them for generations", said John Crockett, Forest Service deputy chief for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry. "This campaign brings that message to life by helping people understand the real risks battery fires pose to our environment and the safety of communities everywhere. Together with NWRF, we're proud to help turn safe battery disposal into a national habit."
