Batteries (Single-Use)

Alternative ways to recycle
Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Hazardous Waste

FREE Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Event December 21, 2024

Saturday, December 21, 2024

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Get Reminder

It is illegal to place batteries in your waste collection containers. Batteries should be disposed of as hazardous waste. They can spark fires or create a unsafe environment for waste workers. If properly collected, battery recyclers can repurpose the metal. 

Storage tips to avoid short-circuiting and fires.
– Place a piece of non-conductive tape or duct-tape on the ends. Do not cover the brand name or chemistry of the battery.
– Store batteries in a container that does not conduct electricity (like plastic, cardboard, or glass).

Never Throw in the Trash

Batteries are banned from the trash because they contain metals and other toxic and corrosive chemicals that can leach into the environment. All batteries, including sizes AAA, AA, C, and D, need to be disposed of as Household Hazardous Waste.

Alternative Ways to Recycle

The Battery Solutions Recycling Program

Battery Solutions offers battery recycling kits and services to businesses, municipalities, and residences. Their programs aim to help people recycle their batteries properly and conveniently. Learn more.

The Big Green Box Battery Recycling Program

The Big Green Box is a mail-in battery recycling program for both residences and businesses. Their system is simple: order a box, fill it up with your used batteries, and then ship it back to the company’s EPA-approved recycling center. Learn more.

Ways to Reduce

rechargable-batteries

Buy Rechargeable Batteries

Most single-use batteries can be replaced by rechargeable ones. Consider switching batteries so you can reduce how much hazardous waste you generate. Today’s rechargeable batteries are even made to have the same battery life as single-use ones.

Conserve Battery Life

Turn off battery-powered devices when not in use and avoid exposing electronics to cold conditions to get as much use possible from batteries.

Did You Know?

Battery Explodes in Garbage Truck

One battery recently caused an explosion in a UK garbage truck, starting a fire and contaminating over six tons of recycling. Because batteries contain chemicals that can ignite, it is important to dispose of them correctly, and not just toss them in with other trash or recycling.

Battery Technology Innovations

“A battery will do for the electricity supply chain what refrigeration did to our food supply chain,” said MIT electrochemist Donald Sadoway in a Grist article. Sadoway and his peers are developing new battery technology using materials such as molten metal and saltwater. The energy storage capacity of these technologies could lead to a new era for electric cars and the electricity grid.