Recycling Batteries

Many batteries have the recycle symbol, but they SHOULD NOT be placed in recycling containers. Manage them separately as a SPECIAL RECYCLED COMMODITY.

Alkaline batteries do not need to be recycled they can go into the trash because they do not contain mercury.

Nickel Cadmium batteries and Nickle Metal hydride batteries need to be recycled and cannot go into the trash. These batteries need to have the terminals taped with not conductive tape like electrical tape, duct tape, or packing tape. Some retail hardware stores have takeback programs, and there are some companies online that will send a box and materials to your house to have the battery shipped to them. Only ship the NiCd and NiMH together.

Lead Acid batteries need to be recycled and cannot go into the trash. Lead Acid batteries can be recycled at almost all auto part stores and county convenience centers. These batteries need to be shipped separately from other types.  It is especially dangerous to ship them with Lithium batteries of any kind. During the recycling process for lead-acid batteries, they are crushed. When lithium batteries are crushed in the same container, they explode.

Lithium batteries need to be recycled and cannot go into the trash. It is also important to point out that placing Lithium batteries into regular recycling can cause fires at recycling facilities, causing property damage and possible injury. Take the time and separate your batteries for the safety of others from your regular recycling.

Store your batteries safely by taping off terminals keeping the labels visible. Place your batteries into a thick plastic container for storage until you are ready to send them off for recycling.

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