Before you drop those spent batteries in the trash...
Consider doing something else with your old batteries. Unlike glass, paper, and plastic, which fill up landfills, but are relatively benign, batteries are filled with reactive chemicals. Take a minute to learn more about how you can properly dispose of batteries, and help keep hazardous, toxic chemicals out of landfills.
And next time you need new batteries, consider getting some rechargeables. Two AA Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries can replace up to 600 single-use batteries.
Contents at a Glance
- Koo-koo-kachoo! Thank you, Squidoo!
- Three important safety tips for dead batteries
- Video information on how and why to recycle batteries
Koo-koo-kachoo! Thank you, Squidoo!
This lens has been selected as Squidoo's Lens of the Day for July 2, 2008. I'm so excited!Thanks for visiting, and I hope you find some useful information here. Cheers!
Three important safety tips for dead batteries
2. Remove worn-out batteries from equipment immediately and dispose of promptly.
3. Do not attempt to recharge a battery unless the battery specifically is marked "rechargeable." Dispose of immediately.
Video information on how and why to recycle batteries
Battery Recycle
Battery recycle programs are a great way to help out the environment. AsktheBuilder.com host Tim Carter shares some battery recycling information so you can do your share of environmental care. You should always recycle a battery if you can.
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Find out where you can take your batteries with this handy search
Over at Earth 911, you can type in the type of thing you need to dispose or recycle (like batteries, mobile phone, computer stuff, etc.) and your zip code, and you will get a list of local places to drop your junk. Give it a try!If you're making a trip to a drop-off location, why not involve your neighborhood or school in a group project? Place a collection bin in a common area, or have people save their own batteries and electronics discards until a certain day. Then once a month or so, take all of the batteries and other electronics to the designated recycling drop-off location. Hooray!
Call2Recycle: another resource for recycling rechargeable batteries
Visit Call2Recycle to search for a place to take your used rechargeable batteries and cell phones.From the site:
Call2Recycle, the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) can help you recycle your used portable rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys. RBRC recycles the following battery chemistries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead* (Pb). RBRC is dedicated to keeping rechargeable batteries and cell phones out of our nation's solid waste stream and preserving natural resources.
Learn more about what to do with old batteries
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNot all batteries are accepted as hazardous waste in all areas
switch to rechargeable batteries!
This is because in the US, batteries manufactured after May 13, 1996 contain no added mercury (except for button cell batteries, which contain a little bit of mercury), and are less hazardous to the environment than they used to be.
However, in California and in a few other places, household alkaline batteries may be regulated more strictly. To find out what to do with used batteries in your area, search at Earth 911 or The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC).
So, if you have a choice between buying and using regular batteries for your household electronics (remote control, smoke detector, flashlights, etc.), and rechargeable batteries, what will you choose? The regular alkaline batteries, which can't be recharged, reused, or easily recycled, and end up in the landfill; or the rechargeables, which can be recharged, reused, and recycled when you're finished with them?
Get rechargeable batteries
Check out these new USB rechargeable batteries
I think these little USB rechargeable batteries are going to be huge. They are NiMH cells, rechargeable at any USB port. You don't need a cradle and cable. Just charge and go. Not only are they easy to use, but they are nicer for the environment, by preventing the disposal of lots of regular batteries. I don't remember all the chemistry of batteries in landfills (those grad-school brain cells have been taken over by new bits of information, like the names of all four Wiggles), but batteries in landfills are bad! Did you know that two AA Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries can replace up to 600 single-use batteries?In addition to AA cells, they will be available in AAA, 9 volt, and sizes for cell phones and PDAs. Visit usbcell.com for more information.
Reduce the number of batteries you toss, by using rechargeables
See some interesting photos of recycling batteries
More links and resources related to battery disposal and recycling
- The Battery Recycling Bin
- The Battery Recycling Bin allows batteries to be dropped through the small security hole in the top . Once full, the contents can be secured by locking down the outer security lid. The high strength double walls have integral hand holes which enables the fully loaded bin to be lifted ready for transit.
- Recycling Containers, Recycling Bins, Waste Receptacles, Aluminum Can Crushers
- From recycling containers, waste containers, trash cans, and aluminum can crushers to office waste systems, outdoor waste basket receptacles, mobile collection carts, recycling bins, tilt trucks and more. We have a large assortment of recycling bins and waste receptacles that will fill any of your recycling needs.
- Processing Waste Batteries - WRAP (UK)
- So what happens once the batteries have been collected and sorted?
- Sustainable Moraga :: Battery Recycling Program
- Sustainable Moraga was the only group in Contra Costa County to implement the California Universal Waste Rule that as of February 9, 2006 prohibits battery disposal in landfills.
- If It's a Rechargeable Battery, It's Recyclable at RadioShack!
- Whether it is recycling rechargeable batteries or cellular phones, expanding our commitment to environmental quality, or providing an environmentally friendly workplace, RadioShack is not just interested but involved in what lies ahead for the next generation.
- EIA Environments E-cycling Central
- Click on your state below to find reuse, recycling, and donation programs across the country for your electronic products.
- Rayovac - Environmental FAQ's
- Rayovac - Environmental FAQ's - How and where can I recycle my batteries?
- Duracell: Battery Disposal
- It is important not to dispose of large amounts of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely "dead." Grouping used batteries together can bring these "live" batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks.
- Panasonic Batteries Environmental and Recycling Information
- The following are general guidelines concerning the proper disposal of Panasonic batteries in all 50 states. This applies to both consumers and
non-consumers unless otherwise indicated. - Battery Disposal Guide for Households - Where to Safely Recycle Used Batteries
- What to do with all those old batteries around your home! Specific information to help you recycle and dispose of them in an environmentally sound manner!
- Will Taft . com » Blog Archive » Yes, We Do Need To Recycle Alkaline Batteries
- Yes, We Do Need To Recycle Alkaline Batteries Dateline Trail, B.C, Canada - Toxco Corporation. This just in, now help spread the word… We can and should recycle alkaline batteries.
Want to share a tip on recycling old batteries? Go ahead!
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Silver_Lotus
5 stars! I've just added it to my lens Your Green Guide. Posted July 21, 2008 |
| chemrat
Lensrolled at both my environmental lenses: Posted July 20, 2008 |
| Green-Life
This is one of the most complete lenses I have ever seen. Good job - 5 stars! Posted July 19, 2008 |
| chemrat
Well done! Jim Posted July 15, 2008 |
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youhavegottobekidding
Great Lens. It could really help our environment. especially no a days the we are some what experiencing Global Warming. Posted July 13, 2008 |
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HeartforHaiti
Thank you! Very helpful and informative. GO GREEN! Posted July 11, 2008 |
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totalhealth
thanks for that information on proper battery disposal. and USB batteries seems to be a good idea Posted July 11, 2008 |
| exerciseinhome
Hey thanks for the tips, I am forever trying to get my mates to dispose of batteries properly, it is simply a misunderstood thing, most people have no idea how to properly dispose of them. Thanks for bringing it back to the front of peoples minds. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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jprice
Those usb batteries are really cool! Posted July 08, 2008 |
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Lakota429
Excellent lens! Congratulations on LOTD!!!! Wonderful information. 5 stars! Annie~ Posted July 08, 2008 |
| Angel-Sky
Cool! This is a wonderful lens! Thanks for bringing it to us! Please check out my site about low cost car insurance, how to obtain cheap classic car insurance and car insurance for females 5 stars for your wonderful lens!! I really appreciate your effort. Posted July 08, 2008 |
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samie-wilson
congrats for becoming the lens of the day! :) Very helpful lens not only for the people but for the environment. 5* deserving. Posted July 07, 2008 |
| lifelongfitness
Great lens. Congrats on lens of the day. very useful information. A little effort makes a big difference Posted July 04, 2008 |
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DebMartin
Thanks for the info! Especially about rechargeable batteries. It's about time we all used them. My local fire department collects batteries for safe disposal. It's a great service. If you don't have a good place to dispose of your old batteries, encourage your fire department to provide that service. Posted July 04, 2008 |
| Encourager
Great lens! Congratulations on Lotd! Posted July 04, 2008 |






