Honestly, those garbage truck fire reports changed my mind big time (I used to think battery recycling was just extra hassle). @rowanw91 hit the nail on the head about safe disposal at shops, since tossing batteries can lead to real problems. Now I see how leaks mess up the ground and water, and fires make it even worse. So recycling needs to be a priority, not an afterthought. It's kind of a wake-up call for all of us.