STATESVILLE, N.C. (WHKY) — Statesville fire and sanitation officials are urging residents to keep rechargeable batteries out of household trash as the city’s “Fill the Drum” recycling campaign enters its final days.

Fire Marshal Pete Morrison and Sanitation Superintendent Russell Brown said rechargeable batteries can be crushed inside garbage trucks, spark and start fires, putting sanitation employees, firefighters and the public at risk.

The campaign continues through Sunday, October 4. The city says residents may bring unwanted rechargeable batteries to any Statesville Fire Department location. The city’s message is: “If it charges, don’t trash it. Recycle it.”

A year-round collection option is also available at Statesville Fire Station 1, 822 Fifth Street. Rechargeable batteries are accepted there Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The City of Statesville published the information in its weekly community update, which was updated Wednesday, September 23.