Battery Recycling
Batteries do tend to multiply. They wind up as the scourge of many a junk drawer, rolling around in
that no-man's land where we put everything we just can't bear to throw away.
It is important to keep batteries out of your garbage. Household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D,
9-volt, and 6-volt) pose a long-term problem for landfills because of the corrosive potassium hydroxide they contain. We don't like
corrosives in landfills because they can contribute to the degradation of the landfill linings intended
to prevent the contents of landfills from leaking into the soil and groundwater. Not too long ago, alkaline
batteries were a concern because they contained mercury, but thankfully that is no longer the case. It's their corrosive
properties that are the main problem today.
Unfortunately, there is no local option for recycling alkaline batteries. Only alkaline batteries can be
safely discarded in the trash in small quantities. To avoid the proliferation of batteries in your trash, consider
rechargeable batteries.
Rechargeable household batteries, including nickel-cadium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-Mh), and lithium ion (Li)
batteries, are bad news in landfills because they contain heavy metals such as cadium. These heavy metals combine with water
and organic solvents to produce the toxic leachate that can leak out of landfills and threaten groundwater. But rechargeables
are still the best alternative since they are reusable so many times and at the end of their lives they are more recyclable
than disposable alkaline batteries.
Rechargeables are an investment (you need to buy a recharger as well as the batteries), but over time you recoup your costs,
and you put a stop to your junk drawer battery breeding problem.
Rechargeable batteries of all types and any non-alkaline batteries such as button batteries can be safely disposed of through any
Radio Shack or Home Depot.
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
, Radio Shack, Target, Best Buy, Sears and Home
Depot are all part of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. These retailers accept all rechargeable
batteries and cell phones for recycling.
Recycling Alkaline Batteries
There are no local or state programs for recycling alkaline batteries, however your business, household or local recycling
center can participate in these Fee-for-Service programs:
- Battery Solutions, Inc.
This company offers alkaline battery recycling services to households, government
agencies, and businesses.
Visit their website to find out how to take advantage of their services, or call
1-800-852-8127.
- The 'Big Green Box' Program (1-877-461-2345)
Purchase postage-paid boxes to collect both
alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries, and other items for recycling.
