How to dispose of household batteries property
Posted By RichC on October 15, 2022
Disposing of household batteries could use some clarity since not everyone knows which ones can be tossed with everyday trash and which ones should be recycled or taken to a collection site. Do you dispose of them correctly?
Batteries are broken down into two broad categories: Single-use and rechargeable. How you dispose of them is quite different.
- You can usually throw away standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, 9-volt and the like) that power your remote control, flashlight, and other everyday household items in the trash.
- Button cell or coin batteries — the kind you’ll find in calculators, watches, hearing aids and car key fobs — may contain silver and mercury and should not be thrown away in the trash. Bring them to a battery recycler or participating retailers that provide battery takeback services
- Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries are most commonly found in cellphones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, power tools, and toys. These batteries should never be tossed in the trash or placed in the recycle bin. They must be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection centers.
- Small, sealed lead acid batteries are found in emergency devices, security systems, mobility scooters, and other special-use items. These also need to be taken to special disposal centers.
To find more recycling and disposal information, go to this resource page at Earth911. Select a type of battery from the left drop-down menu and enter your ZIP code. Note that stores like Staples, Home Depot, and Best Buy have battery drop-off programs.
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