Rockland County Urges Caution When Purchasing Power Tools with Rechargeable Batteries This Season

By Rockland Daily Staff

As the shopping season heats up, Rockland County Fire & Emergency Services is reminding residents to exercise caution when purchasing power tools with rechargeable batteries. 

Always choose batteries from the same original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as the tool itself. OEM batteries are designed specifically for each tool, ensuring compatibility, optimal performance, and built-in safety features. Mixing batteries from different manufacturers may result in malfunction, overheating, or even fires.

In addition, shoppers should be wary of “too good to be true” deals found online. Counterfeit batteries may look similar to trusted brands but pose serious risks. These knock-off batteries often fail to meet safety standards, leading to poor performance and potentially dangerous situations, including overheating and fires.

While knock-off batteries may be tempting due to their lower price, they carry significant risks. Rockland County experts stress that buyers should carefully examine packaging to ensure they’re purchasing a legitimate product. Counterfeit batteries often mimic the branding of reputable manufacturers, but their quality is subpar and can result in malfunction or even damage to the tools they power.

As the holiday season winds down, many will discard old batteries and power tools. However, it’s crucial to remember that lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown into household trash or recycling bins. Improper disposal can lead to dangerous fires and environmental harm.

Rockland County encourages residents to properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries by taking them to the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 35 Firemen’s Memorial Dr in Pomona. For drop-off times and more information, visit Rockland Green's website or call 845-364-2444.

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