How To Dispose of Button Batteries

Button batteries look like small metal disks and are commonly used in watches, calculators, hearing aids and cameras. These batteries can also be found in digital thermometers, insulin pumps and toys and games. Alkaline manganese, silver oxide, zinc-air and mercuric-oxide button batteries all contain small amounts of mercury.

Things You'll Need

• Sealed, childproof container

Instructions

1. Place used button batteries in one or more childproof containers. Keep the containers out of the reach of children and pets.

2. Store used button batteries in small amounts until you dispose of or recycle them. Avoid crowding a lot of batteries into a small container.

3. Dispose of the batteries in one of these safe ways:

   -- Contact your local solid waste authority to find out when the next hazardous waste collection is scheduled.
   -- Check your local phone directory or search a local resources Web site to locate a mercury recycling facility, or call 1-800-CLEANUP to find the nearest facility.
   -- Contact your local drug store and ask if the store has a recycling service.
   -- Call an audiologist or a store that furnishes hearing aids. They may be able to direct you to a recycling or reuse service.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not crowd batteries in a small container. Used batteries can contain unspent energy. If many batteries are stored together, their terminals may touch, creating a short-circuit and a safety hazard.

References

• Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

Resources

• National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)