Batteries
Single use Alkaline and Carbon-Zinc Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, 9V) are wasteful, but not hazardous. Dispose with trash. If your trash goes to Covanta SEMASS, the metal is recovered. All non-alkaline batteries contain hazardous and/or valuable materials. Since it takes about 50 times more energy to make a battery than you get out of it, it is better to use Rechargeable Batteries.
Type of Battery
Where to Find
Hazzards
Where to Dispose
- Alkaline:
(AA, AAA, AAAA, D, 9-Volt)
Most commonly used batteries
Non-hazardous but hard to recycle
- Automotive Batteries
(Small Sealed Lead** (Pb))
Cars, trucks, Industrial Equipment
Hazardous, may contain valuable materials and should be recycled
- Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd),
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn)
laptops, rechargeable power tools, phones, computers, digital cameras, remote control toys
Hazardous, may contain valuable materials and should be recycled
- Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
Used in wireless security, home automation, smoke detectors and illumination equipment.
Hazardous, may contain valuable materials and should be recycled
- Button Batteries
watches, hearing aids, toys, some medical devices
Hazardous, may contain valuable materials and should be recycled
Where to Recycle
Call2Recycle provides the collection boxes at many retail and municipal locations for batteries commonly found in cordless power tools, phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and remote control toys:
These events will take spent lithium batteries and button batteries. Seal spent lithium batteries in a dry plastic bag and bring to a hazardous waste collection event.
Find a Location to drop off your recyclable batteries.
Your town may take Lithium-Ion batteries, automotive batteries. Check to see if your town takes these and others. Some towns may also have a Call2Recycle Collection Box at its transfer station or recycling center.
Advance Auto Parts accepts automotive batteries
Auto Zone accepts automotive batteries
In conjunction with Earth Day, April 22nd, AAA holds their Great Battery Roundup with multiple collection points.