Mt. Bachelor Rotary, Bend Rotary and Greater Bend Rotary are teaming up to host a community lithium-ion battery recycling event on Saturday, April 25. This free event gives Central Oregonians an easy, responsible way to recycle old lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable devices that often sit forgotten in junk drawers.
Community members are invited to bring items such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, electric toothbrushes, power-tool batteries, rechargeable vacuums, wireless headphones, and other lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
Drive-through locations in Bend from 9am-3pm:
- Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (61980 NW Skyline Ranch Rd.)
- Nativity Lutheran Church (60850 Brosterhous Rd.)
- Deschutes Children’s Foundation East Campus (2125 NE Daggett Ln.)
In addition, a drop-off booth will be part of the Environmental Center’s Earth Day Celebration on April 25, from 11am-3pm at Alpenglow Park (61049 SE 15th St.)
As our world increasingly electrifies, from vehicles to home energy systems, lithium-ion batteries are at the center of powering a cleaner future. These batteries contain valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. When recycled, more than 95% of these metals can be recovered and reused to create new batteries and sustainable energy products right here in the United States.
Despite this potential, only about 5% of lithium-ion batteries are currently recycled nationwide, often because people don’t know where or how to recycle them safely. Deschutes County Landfill staff recently reported they average a fire a week due to inappropriately disposed lithium-ion batteries. Through this event, the Rotary clubs aim to make recycling easy while keeping hazardous materials out of landfills, reducing the need for new mining, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
This event is limited to lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable devices only. Please note that other e-waste such as power cords, flat-screen TVs, printers, copiers or loose circuit boards cannot be accepted.
Every battery matters. Recycling lithium-ion batteries helps protect the environment, supports a circular economy and contributes to a more sustainable energy future.
Come recycle with us on April 25!
For more information about lithium-ion battery recycling and where to find batteries throughout your home, visit redwoodmaterials.com/recyclewithus.
