How to Recycle Nickel-Cadmium Rechargeable Batteries

The nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries you use in cordless and cellular phones, camcorders and cordless power tools can be recycled through a program sponsored by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. and then be recharged to be used several times over. To identify a nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery look for the "Ni-Cd" label on it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Battery Chargers
• Camcorder Batteries
• Cordless Phone Battery
• Cellular Phone Batteries

1. Contact the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. (RBRC), at (800) 8-BATTERY to learn how and where to recycle nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries.
2. Check with your local curbside recycling program to see whether you can recycle batteries with your other curbside recyclables. The RBRC has established curbside programs in some communities.
3. Recycle your batteries at the following retail stores: ACE Hardware, Black & Decker, Cellular One, Circuit City, Radio Shack and Sears. For the complete list of retail stores in your area that recycle batteries, refer to the toll-free number above.
4. Call the department of public works in your county to find out about recycling batteries. Also call (800) CLEANUP for state recycling information.

Tips & Warnings

• To prolong the life of your battery, be sure to charge it overnight (14 to 16 hours) when it is brand-new; allow batteries to cool down before you recharge them; avoid overcharging your battery (this will shorten its life); and try not to leave cell phones, radios and other electronics in the charger overnight.