#United States #Las Vegas #battery safety #Woodsy Owl #NWRF

Woodsy Owl's National Battery Safety Initiative Unveiled at CES 2026

In an effort to combat the rising dangers of battery fires, the National Waste Recycling Foundation (NWRF) has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service to debut its new public service announcement (PSA), "Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!" at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas. This initiative is a crucial step toward fostering safety regarding battery disposal amid advancing technology and increasing battery-related hazards.

This innovative campaign aims to educate families about the risks associated with improper battery disposal and to provide them with effective strategies for safe battery handling. Attendees at CES will be amongst the first to engage with Woodsy Owl's modernized safety message, which focuses on ensuring households are aware of battery fire risks and the simple steps they can take to mitigate these dangers.

The Importance of Battery Safety

With the surge in battery usage in everyday devices, improper disposal is a growing concern. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in smartphones, laptops, and many electronic gadgets, can lead to catastrophic fires if discarded carelessly. When abused or crushed in waste transportation, these batteries can experience thermal runaway, a phenomenon where the battery overheats and ignites, presenting severe risks to waste management workers, firefighters, and neighborhood residents.

The NWRF aims to combat these dangers through an educational campaign that has already seen success in states such as Washington and events held in Washington, D.C., and Illinois, where 1,500 pounds of batteries were collected for safe recycling. The new PSA, featuring iconic conservation symbol Woodsy Owl, serves as a significant reminder to dispose of batteries properly rather than tossing them in the trash.

A Fresh Message from Woodsy Owl

Woodsy Owl has long encouraged environmentally responsible behavior among Americans, and this campaign directly addresses a pressing modern issue. With the tagline, "Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!", the initiative guides families on recognizing safe disposal practices. This collaboration portrays Woodsy Owl as a proactive figure promoting safety alongside environmental awareness, thereby enhancing community engagement in responsible disposal practices.

"For over 50 years, Woodsy Owl has empowered Americans to care for our environment, and now he's taking steps to ensure families also protect their homes from battery fires," noted Michael E. Hoffman, NWRF President and CEO. "By launching this campaign at CES, we hope to resonate with tech enthusiasts and encourage them to take action on battery safety as a part of their daily lives."

Engage at CES and Beyond

During the CES event, participants can experience a campsite-themed booth featuring an Airstream trailer designed to make learning about battery safety fun and engaging. Attendees will have the opportunity to partake in interactive quizzes, educational displays showcasing fire risks, exciting giveaways, and expert talks discussing the implications of battery disposal on recycling systems and worker safety.

The launch at CES is particularly significant as it symbolizes the intersection of innovation and responsibility. As society grows increasingly dependent on portable and powerful technology, the educational efforts surrounding battery safety will play a critical role in ensuring that this progress does not come at the cost of safety and environmental health.

"We must empower communities with the knowledge that engages them in protecting their local environments while prioritizing safety," stated John Crockett, Deputy Chief of the Forest Service for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry. "By introducing this PSA at such a prominent event, we can directly engage with audiences committed to embracing technological advancements responsibly."

What Comes Next

Following its unveiling at CES, the NWRF's campaign will undergo an extensive rollout throughout 2026, bringing awareness and educational resources into communities nationwide. This includes hands-on community events, partnerships with local environmental organizations and firefighters, and continued promotions urging citizens to safely recycle and dispose of their batteries, reinforcing the vital message of safety.

If you're looking for more information about battery safety, local disposal sites, or want to catch a glimpse of the PSA, visit BatterySafetyNow.org.

About NWRF

The National Waste Recycling Foundation (NWRF) is dedicated to educating the public and raising awareness about the responsible management of resources while advocating for sustainability in the waste and recycling industry. Their ongoing campaigns aim to inform and protect communities across the nation regarding environmental and health concerns.

About USFS

The U.S. Forest Service has been at the forefront of conservation for over a century, harnessing scientific expertise and community engagement to foster a sustainable relationship between people and the environment. The agency continues to manage vast public lands, promoting conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for future generations.