Properly Dispose of Batteries
Almost everyone uses and discards batteries into the waste stream. Although waste batteries are a small amount of the solid waste stream, they are a concentrated source of some types of heavy metals. The main constituents of concern for human health and the environment include: cadmium, lead and mercury. Since 1993, domestically produced alkaline and carbon zinc batteries contain no added mercury and are essentially mercury-free. Since early 1995, rechargeable alkaline batteries contain no added mercury and are essentially mercury-free.
Non-Rechargeable (Disposable)
Type of Battery
| Common Uses
| Hazardous Component
| Disposal
Recycling Options
|
|---|
| Carbon Zinc | Many household uses | Non-hazardous | Household Garbage |
| Alkaline | Many household uses | Non-hazardous | Household Garbage |
| Mercuric Oxide (Button) | Medical equipment | Mercury | Recycling Program |
| Silver Oxide (Button) | Calculators, watches, cameras | Silver | Recycling Program |
| Zinc-air (Button) | Hearing aids, pagers, cameras | Mercury | Recycling Program |
| Lithium | Computers, cameras | Lithium | Recycling Program |
Rechargeable (Reusable)
Type of Battery
| Common Uses
| Hazardous Component
| Disposal Recycling Options
|
|---|
| Small Sealed Lead Acid | Tools, Camcorders | Lead | Recycling Program |
| Alkaline | Many household uses | Non-hazardous | Household Garbage |
| Nickel - Cadmium | Smoke alarms, tools, household uses | Cadmium | Recycling Program |