Think Before You Toss: Batteries, the Iowa City Landfill, and How Cambridge Place Is Doing Its Part
Did you know that batteries—especially the single-use kind we all rely on for remotes, flashlights, and smoke detectors—can wreak havoc once they end up in the landfill? In Iowa City, it’s a growing concern. The chemicals inside batteries can leak into the environment over time, posing risks to soil, water, and wildlife. Fortunately, local residents, including those living in Iowa City apartment complexes like Cambridge Place, can take simple steps to make a difference.
The Problem With Batteries in the Iowa City Landfill
The Iowa City Landfill has experienced a significant increase in fires due to improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries. As of May 2025, there have been eight fires this year alone, a sharp rise from the average of one to two fires annually since the introduction of the battery drop-off program in 2020. These fires are not only hazardous to the environment but also pose serious risks to landfill staff and emergency responders. https://www.kcrg.com
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in phones, laptops, and other electronic devices, can ignite when damaged or improperly disposed of. When these batteries are crushed by heavy machinery in landfills, they can spark and cause fires. KGAN+1Coralville+1
Cambridge Place Apartments: A Greener Way to Live
At Cambridge Place Apartments, we believe that sustainable living should be easy and accessible. That’s why we’ve added battery recycling to our community recycling efforts. If you’re looking for an apartment in Iowa City for rent where eco-conscious living is part of the culture, you’ll appreciate what we offer.
In our recycling rooms, you’ll find a designated drop box just for used household batteries. It’s a small step with a big impact—and it’s just one way we help residents live responsibly.
Why It Matters for Renters
Many people assume that living in an apartment limits your ability to be eco-friendly. But at Cambridge Place, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Alongside our battery recycling program, our residents enjoy:
- Convenient recycling for paper, cardboard, plastics, and more
- A read-and-share library to reduce book waste
- Energy-efficient common areas
- And a community that genuinely cares about the environment
If you’re searching to rent apartments in Iowa City and want to live in a place that aligns with your values, we’re proud to offer that option.
Looking for the Right Fit?
There are plenty of Iowa City apt for rent listings to choose from, but not all communities offer the same level of comfort, convenience, and conscience. Cambridge Place combines thoughtful amenities—like heated underground parking, in-unit washer/dryer hookups, and secure keyed entry—with community-driven initiatives that make a difference.
So the next time you replace your TV remote batteries, don’t toss the old ones in the trash. Bring them to our drop box and know you’re helping keep Iowa City cleaner and safer for everyone.
Ready to take a tour? If you’re exploring Iowa City apartment complexes that go the extra mile for both residents and the planet, contact Cambridge Place Apartments today.