recycling batteries

Alkaline & Carbon-Zinc ("Heavy Duty") batteries, Disposal

In Germany it seems that every supermarket has a collection bin for batteries. In the USA there fewer options. The experts recommend individuals place these with normal household trash, unless your trash is incinerated or you are restricted by local regulations. Some communities collect batteries as part of a recycling program, but the batteries generally end up in a hazardous waste landfill. Several reclamation companies are now processing these batteries, so the situation may improve soon.

Rechargeable batteries provide the only alternative. Ni-Cd batteries may be recharged many times, but have much less capacity than alkalines. Rayovac sells a line of reusable alkaline batteries called "Renewal", which have a large fraction of the capacity of a regular alkaline, but only last for 25 or so charges. Do not send any type of dry cell battery to facilities designed to recycle other rechargeables.

Nickel-Cadmium batteries, Recycling

Nicad rechargeable batteries can be recycled, and it is important to do so because of the toxic metal cadmium contained in the batteries. See the companion guide to common materials for the details on Ni-Cads.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Recycling
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Recycling

Many newer laptop computers and other portable use Nickel Metal Hydride or Lithium-Ion batteries. Battery retailer Power Express will accept reasonable numbers of batteries by surface mail or UPS Ground for recycling. Package to prevent electrical short circuits and send to: Power Express Batteries, ATTN: Battery Recycling, 14388 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124 (USA).

Button Cell Batteries, Recycling / Proper Disposal

Most small, round "button cell" type batteries contain mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium or other heavy metals as their main component. These materials leak in landfills, can enter the water table, and are even worse when incinerated. Button Cells are increasingly targeted for recycling because of the value of recoverable materials, the hazard to the environment, and the small size and easy handling relative to other battery types.

Many shops that replace watch and hearing aid batteries will accept your batteries for recycling at no charge. Check with a jeweler, watchmaker, or volume retailer like Pay-less, Radio Shack or K-Mart. If you have your watch batteries replaced, be sure to ask if the battery will be recycled.

Stores & repair shops can purchase plastic-lined collection/shipping containers from MERECO. Believe it or not, the batteries are sorted by part numbers looked up in a reference guide. Obviously a better type marking system is needed, and perhaps one that allows batteries to be sorted by machine.

Automotive batteries, Recycling

Automotive batteries contain lead. Lead is both toxic and valuable; in the US over 95% of all automotive batteries are recovered and recycled. Virtually any place that sells batteries will take them back, most state laws require it. Unfortunately many batteries are sent to overseas smelters with poor environmental and worker health records (See "The Myth of Automobile Battery Recycling", by Madeleine Cobbing). Ask where your battery will be sent. Recycler EXIDE has a better than average reputation. Consumers or businesses can call 1-800-289-4627 for recycling options.

Non-automotive lead-based batteries (Gel Cells, SLA, etc), Recycling

Gel cells and sealed lead-acid batteries are commonly used in industrial equipment, emergency lighting, and alarm systems. The same recycling process applies as with automotive batteries, but not all retailers will understand this. An automotive store may accept the batteries, you can try a security dealer, The Battery Council International at (312) 664-6610, or your local waste agency.

REMEMBER HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY MONTHLY AT THE

CHARLES COUNTY LANDFILL