Understanding the Safety Risks of Lithium‑Ion Batteries

The world’s growing appetite for energy continues, and lithium‑ion batteries are at the forefront of that wave, especially when it comes to powering the gadgets and products that define modern life in North America. Lithium‑ion batteries are everywhere: smartphones, laptops, medical devices, power tools, EVs, and the newest culprit—vapes and e‑cigarettes. Yet there is an overwhelming lack of awareness among the general public as to why proper disposal is so important. The increasing number of resources and time dedicated to addressing these dangers has become a major theme within communities across North America. It is one of the most urgent safety issues facing society today, and frankly not enough people are talking about it. In this episode, we hear stories from three guests who are on the front lines of these hazards every day and what they’d like to see done by the public to help address the problem. Our guests include: John Gorney — Public Works Director, City of Grand Rapids (Michigan) Scott Messier — Operations Manager, Snohomish County Public Works (Washington) Craig Willis — HAZMAT Captain, Special Operations, South County Fire (Snohomish County, Washington) Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, the Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA, and each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe and follow along wherever you get your favorite podcasts, rate it, review it, forward it to a friend, and don’t be shy about dropping us a note at: [email protected] - so we can hear your feedback. More Show Notes and Links Grand Rapids Public Works Department:  https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department   Snohomish County Washington Public Works: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/publicworks Guide for Establishing Lithium-ion Battery Management Practices at Materials Recovery Facilities: https://nwrauat.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Guide-For-Establishing-LIB-Management-Practices-at-MRFs-9-2025.pdf