Batteries

About 3 billion household batteries are used and discarded in the U.S. each year, creating more than 125,000 tons of battery garbage.

The article offers tips on how to handle all kinds of batteries used in home appliances, hearing aids, electronics, and more. Rechargeable batteries are a great way to extend battery life, but some are hazardous and need to be disposed of carefully. The article explains a bit about the different kinds of batteries, common uses and proper disposal.

You can reduce the amount of battery waste you generate by avoiding battery-required items when possible, and investing in rechargeable batteries. But once you're done with those batteries--whether they're regular batteries or rechargeables--disposing of them properly is essential.

Household batteries may contain heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. Improper disposal may provide a means for these heavy metals to be released into the air, groundwater, lakes, and streams via landfill runoff and incineration.

Recycling and Disposal by Type

Alkaline, Manganese, Carbon-zinc, and Zinc-air

• Used for: flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, smoke alarms, remote controls, garage door openers, transistor radios
• Sizes: AAA, AA, C, D, and some in 6V, 9V
• Proper Disposal: Place in trash. Spent rechargeable alkaline batteries can also be disposed with household trash. Please note: Alkaline batteries manufactured before 1996 may contain higher levels of mercury; please bring them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection - Vermont Button Cell Battery Take-Back Program!

Button

• Used for: watches, hearing aids, toys, remote controls
• Sizes: vary, but resemble "buttons" in shape
• Proper Disposal: These batteries contain mercury and silver. Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste collection for safe disposal--call District for schedule or see Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Lithium

• Used for: cameras, calculators, computer memory back-up, sneakers, greeting cards.
• Sizes: 3V, 6V, 3V button; usually has "lithium" label on the battery.
• Proper Disposal: Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Call District for schedule or see Household Hazardous Waste Collection
• Encourage Greeting Card Battery Take Back! Contact the companies you buy greeting cards from and ask them to take back their cards that include batteries for safe recycling and disposal.

Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd or Ni-Cad) Rechargeable and Lithium Ion Rechargeable

• Used for: flashlights, toys, cell phones, power tools, computer packs
• Sizes: AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, 9V
• Proper Disposal: Both batteries contain metals and are hazardous wastes. Recycle for free at the Barre Town, Hardwick, Bradford, Cabot, Calais, Chelsea, Tunbridge, and Northfield depots. Or, dispose of safely at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Nickel Metal Hydride (NI-MH) Rechargeable

• Used for: cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders
• Proper Disposal: Recycle for free at the Barre Town, Cabot, Calais, Chelsea, Hardwick, Bradford, Tunbridge, and Northfield depots. Please note: Battery must be 2 lbs. or smaller for collection boxes. If larger than 2 lbs., call the District for assistance. Or, dispose of safely at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Small Sealed Lead Acid (SLA Rechargeable) and Lead Acid Car Batteries

• Used for: video cameras, power tools, metal detectors, cameras; large batteries for automobiles.
• Sizes: Multiples of 2 volts - 2V, 6V, 12V; and large car batteries
• Proper Disposal: Lead acid batteries are hazardous. Recycle small (less than 2 lbs.) sealed lead acid batteries for free at the Barre Town, Cabot, Calais, Chelsea, Hardwick, Bradford, Tunbridge, and Northfield depots. Or, dispose of safely at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection
• Lead acid car batteries: Many auto repair shops, auto parts stores, and metal salvage yards will accept automotive batteries for recycling. Please contact them directly.

The rechargeable batteries accepted for recycling at District depots - Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Lithium Ion, and SLA - are also accepted at the District office at 137 Barre Street, Montpelier, during regular office hours. Please note the 2 lb. limit.