Pellitteri Waste Systems: Safely Managing the Disposal of Rechargeable Batteries: A Call for Public Awareness and Policy Action

FMI:
Joleen Engeseth
Marketing Coordinator
608-257-6232 ext. 346
Joleene@pellitteri.com

Safely Managing the Disposal of Rechargeable Batteries: A Call for Public Awareness and Policy Action 

When rechargeable (lithium) batteries are disposed of in the trash or recycling, they pose a significant risk to combust and cause fires. In the past eight months, two Southern Wisconsin recycling facilities have experienced catastrophic damage from fires that are believed to have begun by rechargeable batteries — Columbia County Recycling and Solid Waste facility in Portage and a City of Milwaukee recycling facility. A third recycling facility fire at John’s Disposal in Whitewater may have also been caused by a rechargeable battery. Recycling Centers are particularly sensitive to fires because of the amount of paper and cardboard being recycled.

Rechargeable batteries have gained widespread popularity because they are compact, lightweight, and have high energy storage capacity, making them indispensable to our modern, on-the-go lifestyles. From cell phones, tablets, and laptops to power tools, scooters, and electric cars, rechargeable batteries power our world. As rechargeable and other, newer battery technologies become abundant in our daily lives, it is crucial to address the hazards associated with their disposal.

In writing this, I hope that we can get the word out to everyone that rechargeable batteries, and products that contain these batteries, cannot go in the trash or recycling without creating a major risk to waste handling facilities. In Wisconsin, we are fortunate to have a robust waste and recycling system infrastructure composed of recycling centers, transfer stations and landfills that keep waste contained and out of the public realm. As rechargeable and other battery technologies have become more prevalent, so have battery-related fires within these facilities. Each one of these fires has the potential to not just knock out local infrastructure, but also to threaten the lives of workers. 

The number of fires will continue to grow if these batteries are disposed of by traditional methods. Recycling facilities are complex operations, with high-tech sorting technologies. When a recycling facility has a catastrophic fire, it could take a year or more before it can be rebuilt and come back online. Landfill fires burn not just above ground, but they can get beneath the surface making them difficult to contain. These underground fires can burn for weeks until they are fully extinguished. 

We are just starting to see the effects of these battery technologies on the waste and recycling infrastructure. We need to stop disposing of batteries by normal waste and recycling methods. Battery manufacturers, retailers, politicians, and government agencies need to work quickly to create a safe and easily accessible infrastructure for battery disposal. Broader public policy and education efforts are needed now. Planning and action should be taken to encourage lawmakers to provide more concrete guidelines and options for more accessible methods to recycle and dispose of these materials.

We have working models in place with other waste products that we can adapt for batteries. For example, Wisconsin has a robust electronics takeback and recycling program supported financially by the manufacturers and sellers of electronics. Batteries could be added to this program, or we could mimic the electronics program with a separate infrastructure specifically for batteries. There is also an option for deposits on batteries so consumers would have financial incentives to take them to drop-off sites. There are other states using different methods that might work as well. There are answers and solutions available. Please call your State of Wisconsin representatives and tell them there is a problem and that you support legislation that will help keep our recycling centers, waste infrastructure system and the people working in these facilities safe.

In the meantime, we ask all Wisconsinites, please do NOT put rechargeable batteries in your trash or recycling containers. If you need to charge it…it has a battery. Don’t throw it out. Check with your municipality, county, or Call2recycle.org for a nearby drop-off site.

David Pellitteri, Vice President
Pellitteri Waste Systems, Inc.
Current Chair for the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) and Appointee on the Governor’s Council on Recycling

About Pellitteri Waste Systems

Pellitteri Waste Systems provides state-of-the-art waste disposal and recycling collection and processing service to commercial, industrial, and residential customers throughout Southern Wisconsin. It is a third-generation, family-owned company based in Madison with a proud tradition of service and community involvement. Pellitteri services more than 67,000 households. The company sorted more than 145 million pounds of mixed recycling in 2022 at their local Material Recovery Facility. For more information, visit www.pellitteri.com.

Resource Links

• Wisconsin DNR: Prevent Recycling Fires By Safely Disposing Of Used Batteries
• Wisconsin DNR: Household Battery Recycling
• City of Madison: Household Batteries – Recycling
• NBC15.com: Madison Fire pushing to educate people on lithium-ion battery safety
• Earth 911: Lithium-ion Batteries near 53713 
• Dane County Clean Sweep drop-off site 
• The National Law Review: EPA Classifies Lithium Ion EV Batteries Hazardous Waste
• Safety Announcement from Pellitteri Waste Systems: Fire Hazards
• John’s Disposal: Example of a battery fire
• Pellitteri Waste Systems: Watch Your Recycling Get Sorted in this 7-minute video

Amy Fosdick Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as AVP Residential Mortgage Lender

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2023

Contact:
Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Bank of Sun Prairie
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com
www.bankofsunprairie.com

Amy Fosdick Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as AVP Residential Mortgage Lender
Lender provides customers with a timely and efficient mortgage process

Sun Prairie, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie welcomes Amy Fosdick as a new assistant vice president, residential mortgage lender. With experience in home lending since 2001, she has been a powerful addition to the Bank of Sun Prairie mortgage team.

Fosdick has worked in home lending for notable financial institutions over the years, with more than 18 years at M&I Bank, more than four years at Anchor Bank (Old National Bank) and most recently working in the Cottage Grove market with Bank Five Nine. She serves on the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce Board of directors as president-elect and proudly supports local businesses, residents, and nonprofits. Fosdick graduated from Upper Iowa University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.

“We are so excited to bring Amy Fosdick onto our team. With a prominent background in home lending across Dane County, she is a perfect addition.” shared Gabrielle Loeffler, Bank of Sun Prairie’s vice president, residential lending manager. “She turns over every stone to get the deal done timely, and with a smile.”

Amy Fosdick is based in the bank’s Cottage Grove branch in Sun Prairie. Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $710 million in assets and five branches in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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KW2’s Andy Wallman retiring after 33 years in advertising

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2023

Contact: Molly Dillman
(608) 334-0406
mvidal@kw2madison.com

KW2’s Andy Wallman retiring after 33 years in advertising

MADISON, Wis.—Andy Wallman, one of Wisconsin’s most beloved advertising leaders and co-owner of KW2, recently announced his retirement after 33 years in the industry and 23 years as a leader at KW2.

“Dr. Seuss once said, ‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,’” said Wallman. “I proud to say that I have professionally achieved what I wanted to over the past three decades. I have a ridiculous amount of stuff to smile about.”

His first priority in retirement: starting to edit his dad’s book which details his WWII and POW experiences.

“Being able to dedicate time to my dad’s story is a lifelong dream of mine. I’m ecstatic that I will finally have time to dig in,” said Wallman.

His retirement from his position as President and Executive Creative Director of KW2, as well as his stepping down as co-owner of the agency was final end of June.

“From the moment Andy started over two decades ago, he has had a tremendous and positive impact that has ultimately shaped KW2 into the values-driven agency we are today,” said Jennifer Savino, KW2 CEO and Co-Owner. “He is in our agency’s DNA and will continue to impact the creative work we do.”

“KW2 is a very special place. The core of our work is helping people, and we do it with a straight-up all-star team,” said Wallman. “There is nothing greater or more satisfying one could ask for in life. I am so proud of what we at KW2 have accomplished, and I know the team will get more and more special over time.”

Although he is retiring from full-time, day-to-day agency duties, Wallman’s passion for creative endeavors and the advertising industry remains. He also looks forward to spending more time with wife Jen and his three daughters, as well as continuing to volunteer for non-profit organizations in Cambridge.

BACKGROUND:
KW2 is a 37-year-old full-service digital and marketing agency with a long history of success in public health, higher education, and business services. We are a Wisconsin and nationally-certified WBE company that tackles some of society’s most challenging issues for leading organizations like The Wisconsin Departments of Health Services, Children and Families, and Natural Resources, as well as The University of Wisconsin, The Wisconsin Technical College System, and First Choice Dental. With a mission of empowering and improving lives, we believe our people grow in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where their valued insights and experiences help us build authentic relationships. Learn more about KW2’s values, results, services, and clients at kw2madison.com.

Hausmann Group Hosts Charity Event to Celebrate Late Owner Jeff Hausmann

Hausmann Group is excited to announce an upcoming charity event, Rock the Block, on Saturday, August 5th, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the GHC parking lot located at 675 W Washington Ave.  The community is invited to attend the event, which will honor the late president and owner of Hausmann Group, Jeff Hausmann, who was deeply passionate about community giving.

During his distinguished 50+ year career with Hausmann Group, Jeff proved to be a pillar in business and the community. He volunteered on countless boards including the American Exchange Bank, the Madison Children’s Museum, and Children’s Theater of Madison. He served on the advisory board for St. Vincent de Paul, most notably as the co-chair of the Capital Campaign where he played a critical role in raising capital to build a new St. Vincent de Paul food pantry for those in need. In his memory, Hausmann Group will be raising funds for two of these charities: Children’s Theatre of Madison and St. Vincent de Paul.

Rock the Block is a fun-filled event for the whole family, with plenty of exciting activities planned such as food trucks, inflatable rides, games, drinks, music, and much more. Representatives from both charities will be present to talk about their mission and educate the community on their resources.

Tickets to attend are $50 each with children 12 and under free. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on the Hausmann Group website: https://www.myhaus.com/rock-the-block-party or on the day of the event under the big tent. All ticket sales and donations will go directly to Children’s Theatre of Madison and St. Vincent de Paul.

Boilerplate:

Hausmann Group is a full-service independent insurance agency with offices located in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For over 75 years, Hausmann Group has offered wide-ranging insurance and business services to clients both locally in Wisconsin and across the country.

Contact Information:

Rachel DeGrand, Director of Marketing & Communications

Phone: 608-252-9685

Email: rdegrand@myhaus.com

Website: https://www.myhaus.com/rock-the-block-party

Tracy Odegaard Promoted to Assistant Bank Manager at OCB-Stoughton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2023

Contact:
Ameilia Abraham
One Community Bank
608-838-3141
aabraham@onecommunity.bank

Tracy Odegaard Promoted to Assistant Bank Manager at OCB-Stoughton

Stoughton, WI (July 2023) – One Community Bank is thrilled to announce the recent promotion of Tracy Odegaard as Assistant Bank Manager of its Stoughton location.

“Tracy has consistently shown dedication to our clients, colleagues, and the community she lives in. Tracy will continue to develop relationships within our community and assist in developing our teller team,” said Amie Edgington, AVP-Bank Manager.

Tracy has been with One Community Bank for over 7 years. She has gained experience in a variety of retail positions including Teller, Relationship Banker, and Relationship Banking Officer.

Tracy is passionate about serving her community and creating a positive work environment for her colleagues. “I love that through helping my colleagues and clients, I can make them happy. I find it extremely rewarding to be able to find solutions for clients and assist them with all of their banking needs,” said Tracy.

Tracy is passionate about giving back to the Stoughton community through her volunteer efforts with One Community Bank. She is also the President of the Kiwanis Club of Stoughton and a member of the Youth Services Committee.

In her free time, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her animals. She loves being outside fishing and going to the races. She also enjoys reading.

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One Community Bank is one of the largest community banks in south central Wisconsin. The locally owned bank has 10 bank locations and $1.9 billion in assets. It provides both personal and business banking solutions, with an intense focus on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Five years in a row named one of Madison’s best places to work, One Community Bank serves the communities of Oregon, McFarland, Waunakee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Adams, Oxford, and Grand Marsh. Member FDIC.