Millions of batteries of various types and sizes are disposed of each year in the United States. Because batteries contain a variety of hazardous materials, including metals and heavy acids, they can be a serious environmental problem if not disposed of properly. If you want to learn how to properly dispose of batteries, follow this guide.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Properly Disposing of the Battery
Step 1. DO NOT dispose of alkaline batteries in a regular trash can
Alkaline batteries should be collected with hazardous household waste for special recycling. Many stores also provide return boxes for batteries. Visit your local government office for more details -- most areas have an environmental day for easy battery ball disposal/pick-up. Box batteries (9-volt) must be sealed with non-conductive tape because they can cause a fire -- a bit ironic because these batteries are usually used in fire alarms. Alkaline or manganese batteries are used in flashlights, toys, remote controls and fire alarms, and range in size -- from AAA to 9-volt.
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You can also dispose of rechargeable alkaline, nickel-metal-hydride, or carbon batteries in your hazardous household waste collection.
Dispose of Batteries Step 2
Step 2. Dispose of button batteries in a hazardous waste disposal site
These batteries are used in hearing aids and watches, and contain mercury oxide, lithium, silver oxide, or zinc. The material from which the battery is made is considered hazardous and must be disposed of in a hazardous waste disposal site for careful handling.
Step 3. Dispose of lithium and lithium-ion batteries at a battery recycling center
Lithium batteries are used in a variety of tiny devices and have been marked as harmless by the government. These batteries are received at a battery recycling center.
Step 4. Dispose of lead-acid or nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries in a hazardous waste disposal site
This type of battery should be taken to a hazardous waste disposal site, or it can be taken to a recycling center.
Step 5. Dispose of the battery at the battery dealer
The battery contains sulfuric acid and has 6 or 12 voltages. These batteries are large and highly corrosive. Most battery dealers will throw your battery away when you buy a new one. Metal recyclers will also buy your battery as scrap.
Method 2 of 2: Understanding Battery Disposal
Step 1. Understand the discharge classifications for different types of batteries
Batteries contain several types of toxins that are very dangerous and are considered dangerous goods by the government. Know your battery type before throwing it away.
Step 2. Dispose of your used batteries properly
The Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies encourage users to take their used batteries to a hazardous waste disposal or authorized recycling facility to recycle batteries. Batteries thrown in the trash can can have fatal effects on the environment, including:
- Fills the trash can, and it will slowly leak into the ground and poison the water.
- Enters the atmosphere after being destroyed. Some types of metals can penetrate the tissues of organisms, and have a fatal effect on their existence.
Step 3. Use eco-friendly batteries
By choosing carefully, you can choose batteries with lower levels of hazardous metals, and less environmental effects in trash cans or hazardous landfills. Steps you can take, for example:
- Opt for alkaline batteries whenever possible. Alkaline battery manufacturers have been reducing the amount of mercury in their batteries since 1984.
- Opt for silver oxide and zinc-air batteries instead of mercury-oxide batteries which have higher levels of heavy metals.
- Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. A rechargeable battery will reduce the environmental effects of dozens of discharged single-use batteries. However, rechargeable batteries have heavy metals.
- Purchase a hand or solar powered device if possible.
