Free Safe Disposal Event in Concord on May 30th

The City of Concord, Cabarrus County Government, and Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont will host a Spring Safe Disposal Event on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Village Shopping Center parking lot at 280 Concord Parkway S in Concord.

The free event gives residents an opportunity confidently dispose of sensitive documents like tax forms and medical records, as well as electronic waste, and unused or expired medications in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

New this year, residents can also bring lithium-ion batteries for safe disposal. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in common items like laptop computers, smartphones, power tools, and other high-drain portable electronic devices.

When it comes to lithium-ion batteries, residents are reminded to "skip the bin, turn your batteries in!" Lithium-ion batteries do not belong in household garbage or recycling carts. They can spark and cause fires at the landfill, recycling center, and in collection trucks, putting waste management workers and the community at risk for serious harm. Three City of Concord garbage and recycling trucks have caught fire due to lithium-ion batteries since 2023.

The Safe Disposal Event is a great opportunity for residents to turn in their old lithium-ion batteries. For residents who cannot make it to the event, they can dispose of lithium-ion batteries at the Cabarrus County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

The Safe Disposal event will be drive-thru style. See the guidelines below for more information:

• Paper: limited to 5 trash bags or bankers boxes per person.
• Electronic waste: televisions, computers, and other devices.
• Unused or expired medications: the City of Concord Police Department will be on site to safely dispose of unused and expired medications. Needles will not be accepted during this event.
• Lithium-ion batteries: no limits, however, batteries should be placed in a clear sealed bag, such as a Ziplock bag.