How to Dispose of Batteries

Over 2 billion batteries end up in landfills every year in the United States. You can’t throw batteries in trash or recycling bins, though many are made of recycled lead and plastic. They’re considered hazardous waste, containing material like cadmium, copper and (in older batteries) mercury. Besides single charge alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) batteries, there are lead, lithium ion, rechargeable (NiCad), lead acid (car batteries) and calcium batteries. There is as yet no simple way to recycle them. So how do you properly dispose of batteries? This article will deal with common household and electronic batteries.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic bags (for smaller batteries)
• Plastic containers (for larger ones)
• Pre-paid mailers for recycling

1. Set up a plastic container or bag to store used batteries. Add each “dead” battery to it. Be sure to keep container away from water.
2. When your container is relatively full, you have a few options as to how to dispose of them. One option is to take them to your town’s Hazardous Waste facility for recycling. Most batteries have elements that can be reclaimed by specific technologies and following regulated procedures and is both economical and environmentally wise to do.
3. You can contact a recycling company that offers a bulk battery pick-up service. You can find a few of these online.
4. A third option is to purchase mailing packages to hold used dry cell (household type) batteries. You can find these types of vendors online.
   These mailers (or plastic buckets) are pre-paid and hold up to 55 pounds of various sized batteries. Once the mailer is full, simply tape or seal it shut, fill out the shipping label, then have Fed Ex Ground pick it up.
5. When it’s time for a new cell phone, what do you do with the old one, especially the battery? Both the battery and the cell phone itself contain a number of highly toxic materials, many of them suspected carcinogens.
   
   Why not donate the phone and battery to a charitable organization. You’ll get a tax deduction and contribute to charity while your phone gets a new useful home.
6. When it’s time to upgrade your computer, laptop or other major electronic equipment, contact the manufacturer to see about their “take back” program. Most of the major ones, like Dell and IBM, have them. Whatever option you decide on, be responsible for how you dispose of your batteries. There are a lot of choices out there, and many are free or low cost. Make a choice that will help the environment. It’s an easy choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your town’s Solid Waste division to find out about rules and regulations on battery disposal in your area.
• DO NOT toss used batteries into trash or recycling. Even though they’re used doesn’t always mean they’re used up. They may still contain some “juice” which, if placed near or next to another partially-used battery, could spark and ignite.