What is the best way to recycle home batteries?

The toxic heavy metal content of batteries makes them very difficult to recycle. Yet they contain some of the most environmentally harmful chemicals of common household items that are disposed of today.

Mercury reduction in batteries began in 1984 and continues today. During the last several years, the industry has reduced the total amount of mercury usage by about 86 percent. Newer alkaline batteries may contain about one-tenth the amount of mercury previously contained in the typical alkaline battery.

Non-rechargeable (typically alkaline manganese and carbon zinc) batteries contain such small amounts of heavy metal that no vendor will take on the task of recycling them. Unfortunately they must be disposed of in the trash.

The vast majority of rechargeable batteries contain toxic heavy metals that, when introduced into the environment through incineration, being buried in landfills or being otherwise disposed of in the environment pose a significant risk to human health and wildlife. These heavy metals are taken up by microorganisms and work their way up the food chain from there, becoming more and more concentrated. This poses health risks to both humans and to wildlife who consume contaminated food.

Rechargeable batteries such as lithium ion (Li-ion), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), button cells, and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) batteries must be recycled. You can put them in the shed with the automotive batteries with terminals taped; or dispose of them on their hazardous waste collection days. For dates click here. These types of batteries are not environmentally friendly and cannot be disposed of in the trash. They MUST be recycled.

If you are not sure what type of battery you have read the label. For more detailed information click here.

Reusable (rechargeable) alkaline and manganese batteries also go into the trash.