Battery Recycling and Disposal
With so many options available to dispose of and recycle batteries, it may be hard to figure out what is the best removal method. The options just keep going and going. Let’s set the record straight and take a look at each type of battery.
Alkaline Batteries
These are your typical household batteries most commonly found items like toys or flashlights. They vary in size and shape and are general use or single use batteries. Thanks to the Battery Act of 1996 alkaline batteries made after this year no longer contain mercury and are not considered hazardous. These batteries are allowed in your regular trash containers for disposal in the landfills. They should not be placed in your curbside recycle cart. However, recycling is still an option. Many electronic and hardware stores will accept them and ensure proper recycling.
Rechargeable or Lithium Batteries
Rechargeable or multi-use lithium batteries often found in cellphones, laptops and computers contain dangerous materials and should stay out of both recycle and trash containers. Putting them in your curbside bins at home puts collection crews at risk. They are the leading cause of truck fires in the garbage and recycling industry. The good news is there are collection sites available for proper recycling. Call2Recycle.org is North America’s largest battery recycling program. Along with a wealth of information, they also offer local options for lithium or rechargeable battery recycling.
Button Batteries
Unfortunately, these small batteries found in watches or electronic devices contain a variety of recoverable, but hazardous materials and should be recycled at a proper facility. These facilities include hardware stores and battery stores like Batteries Plus. Button batteries should never be placed in your curbside bin.
Car Batteries
Car batteries are one of the most recycled items in the U.S. Just like rechargeable or button batteries, they are not part of the curbside program but can be recycled at proper facilities like car dealerships and auto clinics.
Results of Lithium Batteries in Garbage or Recycling Bins
This truck load of recyclables was most likely ignited by lithium batteries. The driver safely dumped the material.
Batteries, tiki torches and aerosol cans found within the recycling load.
Following protocols, the ignited material was safely dumped on the street, put out by the fire department and quickly cleaned up aferwards.
Remember, other than alkaline batteries, these materials are banned from curbside garbage and recycling programs because of the risk they pose to collection crews and landfill sites. When batteries are disposed of improperly, they can cause fires or explosions and the chemicals used in them can contaminate our water and soil. Together we can keep these dangerous materials out of landfills and reduce the risk of exposure for future generations.
