How to Dispose of AAA Batteries?

AAA Battery

Throwing AAA batteries in to a trash can is a no-no as they are harmful to the environment. It may take a little extra effort on your part, but other than time, it won't cost you anything to dispose of AAA batteries properly.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic baggies

Instructions

1. Take your finished AAA batteries and place them in separate plastic baggies until you can get a chance to go to the store. You don't want to put several sets of AAA batteries together. They could have charge left in them and then explode.

2. Go online to Earth 911 (see Resources). Type in "AAA batteries" in the "Start Recycling" box. There is another box next to the first one. There you type in your city or zip code. Finally press "Go" and the site will report back with a list of stores and locations that you can go to to drop off your batteries.

3. Find out your town's hazardous waste pick-up day. You should get a flyer in the mail once per year with this info on it. If you don't still have it, you can call and ask when it is. Then, place your batteries in a container on the side of the road on the scheduled day.

4. Drop off the batteries to your local recycling center. They will be able to take the AAA batteries off of your hands and dispose of them the proper way.

5. Take the old AAA batteries back to the location you bought them. Most stores (such as Radio Shack) that sell batteries also have a bin for disposing them.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also check your local newspaper for recycling rules and regulations.

• Never try to burn batteries. They will ignite and could hurt someone and cause the fire to spread.

Resources

• Earth 911