Dateline: Jul. 15, 2025

Due to recent fires and explosions at transfer stations caused by lithium batteries, the state has passed RSA 149-M:27 that prohibits disposal of lithium-ion batteries, wet cell batteries, and electronic devices in any solid waste landfill facility or incinerator in New Hampshire.

"The National Waste and Recycling Association estimates that lithium-ion batteries are responsible for more than 5,000 fires annually at waste facilities across the U.S., often causing extensive damage and endangering both workers and the public." For details, see http://mykeenenow.com, June 26, 2025

Lithium-ion batteries are the rechargeable version of batteries. They have become the new standard for portable power in consumer devices and laptop batteries. They are also used in power tools like drills, saws, chainsaws, trimmers, leaf blowers, and lawn mowers. They provide superior performance compared to the older NiCad and NiMH rechargeable batteries.

It has been stated that lithium-ion batteries have a useful lifetime of two to ten years and can handle 300 to 1000 charge cycles. But when they reach end-of-life, they must be properly disposed of.

What You Can Do

Take your used batteries and old electronic devices to the Allenstown Transfer Station on Granite St. The attendant will accept them and make sure that they are properly recycled.