How to Dispose of Flashlight Batteries

Disposing of flashlight batteries properly is a simple household task. An electrical battery is a combination of electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Batteries can be used and discarded, or recharged for multiple uses. Common household batteries have a relatively short lifespan and will need to be replaced regularly. Follow a few simple steps to properly dispose of flashlight batteries.

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of flashlight battery you have by reading the battery housing. Common types include alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride and reusable alkaline.

2. Attempt to recharge batteries that are made from nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride and reusable alkaline. This can be done using rechargers commonly found in electronics stores as well as most department stores.

3. Ask local electronics, cell phone and department stores if they'll accept used batteries. Many establishments will recycle your old batteries for you, and occasionally will give a discount on replacement batteries as well.

4. Put alkaline and carbon zinc batteries in your household trash. These typical flashlight batteries can be labeled "heavy-duty," "alkaline" or "all-purpose." Rechargeable batteries made from nickel metal hydride and reusable alkaline can also be thrown in your trash.

Tips & Warnings

• California requires all batteries to be recycled.

References

• Environment, Health and Safety Online
• Battery University