How to Dispose of Batteries
Throw away or recycle alkaline batteries., Dispose of car batteries at an auto parts retailer or hazardous waste collection site., Take rechargeable batteries to a recycling facility., Donate or recycle lithium-ion batteries., Dispose of button...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Throw away or recycle alkaline batteries.
Alkaline batteries are the type that power most simple battery-operated devices, such as flashlights, toys, remote controls, or smoke alarms.
They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from AAA to 9 volt.
Proper disposal methods for alkaline batteries may depend on your local waste regulations.Most alkaline batteries manufactured since 1996 are made of relatively non-hazardous materials, and can be tossed directly into the trash.
However, some states or municipalities still require that alkaline batteries be treated as hazardous waste.
In these cases, the batteries must be recycled or dropped off at a designated facility.
You may be able to drop off alkaline batteries for recycling at a local electronics retailer, recycling center, or community center.
Check the Earth911 website for drop-off locations in your area. -
Step 2: Dispose of car batteries at an auto parts retailer or hazardous waste collection site.
Since car batteries contain lead acid, they can’t be disposed of in the trash or tossed in with your recycling.Many retailers, like Home Depot or Auto Zone, will accept dead or used car batteries.
You can also drop them off at recycling or waste disposal facilities that specialize in hazardous materials. , Rechargeable batteries contain nickel and cadmium, which can create an environmental hazard if the batteries are thrown away in a landfill or an incinerator.
These batteries must be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection site, recycling facility, or an electronics retailer that recycles batteries.Many electronics retailers, like Radio Shack or Staples, will accept used rechargeable batteries for recycling.
Check Earth911.com for participating retailers in your area. , These are the kinds of batteries that typically power portable electronics like your mobile phone, digital camera, tablet, or laptop.
Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled at a recycling center or hazardous waste collection site, or donated to refurbishers and recyclers.In the USA, some retailers participate in a program called the Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge.
The SSM program encourages companies to recycle and refurbish lithium batteries and other electronic components.
Check the EPA website for a list of participating businesses, here: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling Check with electronics retailers in your area to find out if they will accept donations of lithium-ion batteries. , This kind of battery is used in hearing aids and watches, and contains mercuric oxide, lithium, silver oxide, or zinc-air.
They are considered hazardous materials and must be brought to a household hazardous waste collection site for proper handling.Button batteries contain extremely toxic materials, and should never be disposed of in the trash.
You may be able to recycle or dispose of button batteries at some electronics retailers. -
Step 3: Take rechargeable batteries to a recycling facility.
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Step 4: Donate or recycle lithium-ion batteries.
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Step 5: Dispose of button batteries at a hazardous waste collection site or recycling facility.
Detailed Guide
Alkaline batteries are the type that power most simple battery-operated devices, such as flashlights, toys, remote controls, or smoke alarms.
They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from AAA to 9 volt.
Proper disposal methods for alkaline batteries may depend on your local waste regulations.Most alkaline batteries manufactured since 1996 are made of relatively non-hazardous materials, and can be tossed directly into the trash.
However, some states or municipalities still require that alkaline batteries be treated as hazardous waste.
In these cases, the batteries must be recycled or dropped off at a designated facility.
You may be able to drop off alkaline batteries for recycling at a local electronics retailer, recycling center, or community center.
Check the Earth911 website for drop-off locations in your area.
Since car batteries contain lead acid, they can’t be disposed of in the trash or tossed in with your recycling.Many retailers, like Home Depot or Auto Zone, will accept dead or used car batteries.
You can also drop them off at recycling or waste disposal facilities that specialize in hazardous materials. , Rechargeable batteries contain nickel and cadmium, which can create an environmental hazard if the batteries are thrown away in a landfill or an incinerator.
These batteries must be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection site, recycling facility, or an electronics retailer that recycles batteries.Many electronics retailers, like Radio Shack or Staples, will accept used rechargeable batteries for recycling.
Check Earth911.com for participating retailers in your area. , These are the kinds of batteries that typically power portable electronics like your mobile phone, digital camera, tablet, or laptop.
Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled at a recycling center or hazardous waste collection site, or donated to refurbishers and recyclers.In the USA, some retailers participate in a program called the Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge.
The SSM program encourages companies to recycle and refurbish lithium batteries and other electronic components.
Check the EPA website for a list of participating businesses, here: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling Check with electronics retailers in your area to find out if they will accept donations of lithium-ion batteries. , This kind of battery is used in hearing aids and watches, and contains mercuric oxide, lithium, silver oxide, or zinc-air.
They are considered hazardous materials and must be brought to a household hazardous waste collection site for proper handling.Button batteries contain extremely toxic materials, and should never be disposed of in the trash.
You may be able to recycle or dispose of button batteries at some electronics retailers.
About the Author
Zachary Martin
Zachary Martin is an experienced writer with over 12 years of expertise in education and learning. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Zachary creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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