Batteries come in a variety of different types, including alkaline, carbon-zinc, lithium, magnesium, lead-acid, thermal, silver, nickel-cadmium and mercury. Americans use approximately 3 billion batteries each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Each type of battery has a specific method of disposal determined by federal regulations. While the government considers some batteries hazardous waste, other types are recyclable--freeing the landfills of battery waste.
Normal Municipal Waste
Alkaline batteries, commonly used to power radios and appliances, and carbon-zinc batteries used to power flashlights, remotes, toys and smoke detectors require disposal with the regular household trash. Alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries are not recyclable and do not fall under the category of hazardous household waste, according to the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance.
Household Hazardous Waste
Button batteries containing mercury oxide, silver oxide and zinc-air cells, often used to power watches, hearing aids and greeting cards, fall under the category of hazardous waste. Nickel-cadmium batteries used to power computers, power tools and cell phones, as well as sealed lead-acid batteries that power cameras, ATV's and metal detectors, also fall under the category of hazardous waste. The EPA defines hazardous waste as a potential hazard to the health of individuals and the surrounding environment. Bring hazardous waste batteries to a local hazardous waste recycling facility, easily found by contacting your city or town hall.
Recycling Center
Lithium 3-volt and 6-volt batteries, which are used to power calculators, clocks and transistors radios, fall under the category of nonhazardous waste by the U.S. government and are also recyclable. Lithium batteries do not contain toxic metals harmful to people or the environment. Community recycling centers are located throughout the U.S. Residents who do not have recycling centers in their areas can obtain shipping boxes from online recycling centers that recycle batteries.
A Note on Car Batteries
Lead-acid batteries that are used to power vehicles, such as cars, trucks and motorcycles, are 12- or 6-volt units and fall under the category of hazardous waste. Lead-acid batteries do not belong in the regular trash or recycling bin. A metal recycler or retailer who sells vehicle batteries will often accept used lead-acid batteries, Environmental Health and Safety Online reports. A small fee may be charged for this service.
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