Battery Recycling
We even recycle your old batteries!
Battery disposal isn’t always straightforward. Does my battery go in the recycling? Do I throw it away? What exactly do I do with my battery?
It’s essential to help the environment. We are dedicated to reducing the number of batteries that go into landfill by educating residents and business owners about the risks of mixing old batteries with trash and curbside recyclables.
Should Batteries be Thrown in the Trash?
Proper battery disposal depends on the type of battery. Many batteries contain mercury, cadmium, lead, silver, and nickel. Others include critical minerals. Materials like cobalt, lithium, and graphite from batteries can be reused and saved by recycling. Preserving resources and discarding batteries safely can benefit the entire community.
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries are the most heavily controlled batteries. Throwing them in the trash is prohibited.
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) can hold a small residual charge, even when that charge isn’t strong enough to operate a tool or toy. This lingering energy is dangerous if the battery is damaged. Lithium-ion batteries must always be safely recycled, either by sending the battery back to the manufacturer or disposing it at a drop-off location.
Alkaline Batteries
While it’s always best to recycle all batteries, depleted alkaline batteries do not require industrial waste management in most geographies because they no longer contain mercury. Many cities and states allow alkaline batteries to be thrown in the trash; however, they are not allowed to be thrown in curbside recycling bins.
Types of Batteries
Single-use batteries
Single-use batteries can be made of alkaline, carbon-zinc, or lithium. They’re often sold as traditional household batteries or button cell batteries.
Lithium single-use batteries are increasingly popular for electronic devices. They are manufactured to hold more charge, translating to use longer and less waste.
Given how many batteries are used and depleted every year, it’s no surprise that recycling can save space in landfills.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are an efficient alternative to single-use batteries and come in many sizes. They are manufactured to fit traditional AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt battery systems and formats to operate cell phones, digital cameras, cordless power tools, and other technologies.
They can be charged multiple times to restore charge efficiently. Reuse cuts down on overall waste. Rechargeable batteries are identified by their labels, so if you’re not sure what you have, check for Ni-Cd (Nickel Cadmium), Li-ion, Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride), Ni-Zn (Nickel Zinc), or Pb on the outer packaging.
Rechargeable batteries have helped reduce overall waste but don’t last forever. When a battery no longer holds a charge or depletes quickly, it’s essential to understand how to dispose of it safely.
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy-per-unit mass relative to other batteries. They are available as single-use batteries but more often as rechargeable batteries. That’s what makes them so popular for laptops, cordless power tools, electric vehicles, and more.
A difference in lithium-ion batteries is that they can reserve a small amount of charge even after they seem depleted. If the battery is damaged, this charge becomes highly combustible.
Lithium-ion batteries can swell, becoming a great risk for transport. Damaged, discarded batteries are dangerous for waste management crews as well as the motoring public.
Automotive batteries
Automotive lead-acid batteries have long been used for vehicles, but increasingly, large rechargeable battery packs for electric cars are also growing in use. All vehicle batteries must be properly managed and recycled, especially lead-acid batteries. Auto repair centers and car dealerships are responsible for helping vehicle owners recycle old batteries. They may also offer a discount towards purchasing a new vehicle battery.
Best Practices for Disposing of Batteries
Residential homeowners and businesses alike must take steps to promote battery recycling. Standard best practices include:
- Put old batteries in plastic bags, or cover the ends of battery terminals with clear packing tape. This prevents lingering charges from releasing in the event of contact.
- Check for battery returns. Some battery manufacturers accept returns via mail, but following postal shipping guidelines is essential before putting old batteries in the mail.
Why is it dangerous to throw batteries in the trash?
Batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, can harness a small amount of charge even after they no longer work. When damaged or punctured, this charge can lead to battery combustion and cause fires and damage, affecting vehicles transporting batteries, workers, and the community landfill.
Can batteries be recycled?
Yes! Most batteries can be easily recycled, but not through your curbside recycling program. Recycling batteries helps mitigate risks associated with combustible batteries and makes it possible for some materials to be reused in developing new batteries.
What are the penalties for throwing away a battery?
Many batteries are classified by the EPA as universal waste under 40 CFR part 266 subpart G. Disposal of those batteries won’t result in persecution; however, lead acid batteries are prohibited in landfills. Penalties for disposal of lead acid batteries include prosecution and fines for consumers and businesses.
What happens to batteries when they are thrown away?
Improperly disposed of batteries can leach hazardous components, causing a fire risk and possible contamination.
Communities increasingly need to reduce waste and improve their efforts to help the environment. Residential and commercial customers can benefit from adopting safe disposal practices for used and damaged batteries.
What batteries do we take?
We currently only take batteries that have lead acid contained in them. Most battery suppliers and automotive part stores require a core fee, but not all. If you find yourself with a lead acid battery and need help determining where to take it. We are your solution.
How do I know if it has lead acid?
Lead Acid/ VRLA batteries can be identified by the terms “Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries or the letters “Pb.” Terminals on all lead acid batteries must be taped if stored before recycling.
What do you charge?
If we have to pick it up, we charge a minimum fee, which is based on where your location is. For more information on pickup fees, please call us at (877) 927-8340.
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