How to Dispose of NiMH Batteries

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
NiMH rechargeable batteries are an environmental hazard and can not be disposed of with your regular garbage.

An NiMH, or nickel-metal hydride cell battery, is a rechargeable battery often found in electronic products, such as digital cameras, laptops, cell phones and toys. Once the NiMH batteries die, they should not be disposed of in the regular garbage. Handle them as hazardous waste and dispose of them through your county's hazardous waste program, or should recycle them. Many large retailers take part in a rechargeable battery recycling program.

Advertisement

Recycling Program

Video of the Day

Step 1

Place the rechargeable batteries in a plastic sandwich bag until you are ready to dispose of them.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Call the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation at 1-800-822-8831. They will provide you with a list of companies and local businesses that participate in rechargeable battery recycling in your area.

Advertisement

Step 3

Locate the recycling bin in the participating store, usually located towards the front of the store. Remove the batteries from the bag and place in the slot.

County Hazardous Waste

Step 1

Place the rechargeable batteries in a plastic sandwich bag until you are ready to dispose of them.

Advertisement

Step 2

Use a phone book or online search engine to locate the hazardous waste department in your county and call that agency to ask about hazardous waste disposal.

Step 3

Follow the directions given to you by your local hazardous waste department for disposing of the batteries. Depending on the county, they may have specific curbside hazardous waste pick up days or specific locations to collect the hazardous waste.

Advertisement

references