By Daniel Hiestand
Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator
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It's remarkable how many things we use daily depend on batteries. Even as I write this paragraph on my laptop, I'm listening to David Bowie on my iPhone via a pair of wireless headphones, which all run...on batteries.
The list of battery-operated items we all depend on is endless. The point is that batteries are everywhere, and it's up to all of us to learn how to responsibly manage and dispose of them safely.
This is especially true for lithium-ion batteries, which can explode or burn when damaged. These "thermal events"—which are becoming more frequent with increased battery usage—can be dangerous for county employees and equipment.
For context, Lane County's Short Mountain Landfill experienced 49 lithium battery fires in 2025, up from 34 in 2024.
Please take a quick recycling survey by Jan. 19
Lane County is working to make battery recycling safer and easier for everyone. To tackle this growing problem, we need your input (especially if you live outside of Eugene/Springfield).
Please take this quick, confidential community survey (click the image or link below). Your answers will help local experts understand current recycling knowledge and the barriers people face when trying to dispose of batteries properly.
Please take five minutes to complete the survey today! It closes by Jan. 19.
English: surveymonkey.com/r/LCBattery
Español: es.surveymonkey.com/r/LCBateria-ESP
Need more incentive? For each completed survey, $1 will be donated to the nonprofit recycling organization BRING.
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Electronics Recycling Competition officially starts
The Electronics Recycling Competition "officially" started yesterday for the 49 schools that signed up for the 2026 competition, and runs until April 24. If you have unwanted, unused, or broken electronics, this is a great way to either get them repaired so they can be resold or recycled. Schools that recycle the most e-waste can win grants of up to $500, a NextStep Reuse Store computer gift certificate, and a recognition award.
 This year's number of schools bests the previous record-setting 48 in 2025, with participating schools ranging from Florence to Oakridge. During January, NextStep is dropping off "bins" to participating schools to collect their electronics, which will be picked up in April.
If you are a student, parent, teacher, administrator, business, or anyone wanting to support a school, you can drop off electronics at the NextStep Donation Center (245 Jackson Street, Eugene) at any time during the competition, starting today! Just make sure to tell NextStep staff which school you are supporting so they can give the school weight credit.
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Simplify the Holidays wraps up
Our third Simplify the Holidays Leftover Recipe Contest just wrapped up. While we had fewer participants than in years past, the entries were just as delicious!
On that note, if you want to see many of the different recipes we've received over the years, feel free to download our new Holiday Leftover Recipes cookbook. It may give you some good ideas for next year's holiday meals.
Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to our four contest winners, who won some great rewards!
Prizes were provided by Main Street Market, the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Program, Lovely All Day Cafe, and BRING.
If you are a company or organization interested in providing a prize sponsorship for next year, please contact us at [email protected].
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MECCA hosts "Crafty Resolutions" series to kick off year
 During the first six weeks of the new year, the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) will host a “Crafty Resolutions” series to introduce new crafts to folks curious about learning art forms that involve the reuse of materials and upcycling.
The series features a different art form each week and offers workshops in the craft, special kits to get people started, social gatherings to meet fellow artisans, and more!
For a full listing of MECCA events, visit their listing page.
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Shift receives grant to enable e-bike repairs, sales
Shift Communit y Cycles Executive Director Kendsie Channing said the nonprofit recently received a grant from Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) to overhaul a work stand for e-bike servicing in its shop (811 W 6th Ave, Eugene).
With this investment, Shift can take e-bike donations.
Furthermore, the EWEB investment will allow the nonprofit to complete e-bike repairs and refurbish donated e-bikes, keeping them out of landfills and getti ng them back on the road, especially for community members who cannot afford new bikes.
Channing said Shift hopes to have the new tools and supplies ready by February so it can start accepting donations and making repairs this spring.
Are you enjoying the newsletter? Are there topics you'd like us to cover? Please share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Thanks for reading.
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