Nashville Fire Marshal Kicks Off Fire Prevention Week with Nashville Department of Waste Services

The Nashville Fire Marshal's Office (FMO) and Nashville Department of Waste Services (NWS) are pleased to announce a partnership focused on educating the public about the fire hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries. With their widespread use, understanding proper charging and disposal practices is essential to keeping our community safe.

Both agencies are aligning their outreach with Fire Prevention Week 2026, observed from October 4-10, an initiative of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). [nfpa.org] , [allfirefighter.com]

2026 Theme: "Charge Into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower"

This year's theme emphasizes the everyday charging behaviors that reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, such as unplugging devices once fully charged, avoiding soft surfaces like beds or couches, and using only approved chargers.

"Prevention is always the best way to keep our community safe," Director Chief William Swann said. "We all have the responsibility to take precautions and learn about the best ways to protect life and property."

Safe Charging (FMO): https://www.nashville.gov/departments/fire/fire-marshal-office

• Residents should always follow manufacturer guidelines and use approved chargers.
• Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces and away from combustible materials.
• Be vigilant: stop using any battery that becomes hot, swollen, smoky, or emits odors.

Proper Disposal (NWS): https://www.nashville.gov/departments/waste-services

• Do not throw Lithium-Ion batteries in household trash or recycling carts or dumpsters.
• Do not throw Lithium-Ion batteries in household trash carts or dumpsters.

Batteries pose serious fire risks if crushed, punctured, or overheated during regular disposal.

"Lithium-ion batteries pose a serious fire risk when they are placed in curbside carts," said Nashville Department of Waste Services Director Tracey Thurman. "NWS is proud to partner with the Fire Marshal's Office to bring awareness on the hazards of these batteries and give residents more opportunities to safely dispose of these items at our East and Ezell Convenience Centers."

Identify and Check Battery-Containing Devices

Residents are encouraged to review their possessions to identify devices that use lithium batteries, including but not limited to:

• Cell phones and smartphones
• Laptops and tablets
• E-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards
• Power tools (e.g. drills, saws)
• Portable chargers and power banks
• Bluetooth speakers and headphones
• Digital cameras
• Smartwatches and wearables
• Cordless household items (e.g., vacuums, flashlights)

Purpose of Fire Prevention Week

• Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health observance in the U.S., commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. [allfirefighter.com] , [firerescue1.com]
• Each year provides a focused safety message to educate fire departments, schools, families, and community groups through actionable guidance-this year, centering on lithium-ion battery safety.

Places to safely dispose of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Please note that there are 4 Convenience Center. However, only 2 accept Lithium-Ion Batteries.

NWS has two Convenience Centers that accept Lithium-Ion batteries:

• Ezell Pike Convenience Center
  3254 Ezell Pike
  Nashville, TN 37211
• East Convenience Center
  943 Dr Richard G Adams Dr
  Nashville, TN 37207

Hours of Operations

Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Closed on Metro Holidays