Battery Disposal Tips

Batteries and battery disposal are a normal part of daily life for most us as they are used to power so many of our electronic devices, and to ensure our safety. Public agencies advise consumers to keep batteries for power emergencies - and to check and change batteries in our smoke detectors regularly. Since batteries have a limited life, they often get tossed into the trash when they’ve been used up. There is a wealth of information on maintaining battery powered devices and recently, government and public safety agencies have made great efforts to heighten public awareness on safe battery disposal. Proper battery disposal is important for both public safety and the environment.

Battery disposal is an issue because batteries are manufactured with mercury, lead, lithium, and cadmium. These materials, when thrown in the trash and mixed in landfills can corrode, leak, and contaminate groundwater, animals, and humans.

Battery disposal and storage tips:

• Use the A/C adaptor instead of battery power whenever possible to conserve batteries. A/C power uses fewer resources than battery power.
• Conserve your laptop battery by keeping it on a hard surface. Leaving a laptop on a soft surface like carpeting or furniture reduces the life of the battery.
• Use cell phones when there is good reception. Using it in areas with poor reception runs down the battery.
• Never dispose of batteries by fire - they could explode.

• Do not store batteries in bags, pockets, or near sharp objects to avoid leaks and explosions.
• Remove worn-out batteries from electronics immediately to keep leaks from damaging equipment.
• Do not attempt to recharge a battery unless it is clearly marked as rechargeable.
• Do not store old and new batteries together, or mix different types of batteries.
• Do not store large quantities of used batteries together in case they have power leftover.
• Some types of batteries last longer when stored in the refrigerator, and even if it doesn’t extend the life of the battery, a cool, dry and dark environment is good.
• Find out about used battery disposal programs at local retail stores and auto battery stores and repair shops.
• Look online or in the phone book for national battery recycling programs that accept batteries at no charge to the consumer.
• Contact the battery manufacturer for information about proper use, storage, disposal, and recycling.
• Drop off batteries at local government-sponsored household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities and events. Find out about facilities and events from local municipalities, and state Environmental Protection Agencies.