Battery Disposal
Batteries cannot be recycled in Rumpke’s recycling program, nor can most batteries simply be placed in the trash. So, what should you do with old batteries? The short answer is – seek out a recycling option for old batteries. Again – you can’t recycle batteries in Rumpke’s curbside and community recycling programs; however, there are specialty recyclers and retailers that will accept them.
Should Batteries be Thrown in the Trash?
Proper battery disposal depends on where the material is coming from and the type of battery.
Lead Acid Batteries
Don’t place it in the trash. Lead acid batteries are the most heavily controlled batteries. Throwing them in the trash is prohibited. Most auto stores will accept.
Example: Car and boat batteries
Lithium-ion Batteries
Do not place these in the trash or curbside recycling. Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion), are capable of holding a small residual charge. This lingering energy is dangerous if the battery is damaged. Lithium-ion batteries must always be safely recycled, either by sending the battery back to the manufacturer or disposing of it at a designated drop-off location.
Used for phones, laptops, lawn equipment, greeting cards, power tools, electric vehicles, etc.
Alkaline Batteries
Residents may place these in the trash. Businesses can’t. Never place in recycling containers. While it’s always best to recycle all batteries, depleted alkaline batteries do not require industrial waste management in most geographies because these batteries no longer contain mercury.
Examples: AAA, AA, D-volt
Best Practices for Disposing of Batteries
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- Put old batteries in plastic bags or cover the ends of battery terminals with clear packing tape. This prevents lingering charges from releasing in the event of contact.
- Locate your nearest disposal site or look for battery drop-off events in your community. Call2Recycle is another great resource that promotes battery recycling across the country.
- If you can’t remove the battery from an old device, bring the entire device to a facility recommended by your local solid waste management district for it to be properly disassembled.
- Check for battery returns. Some battery manufacturers accept returns via mail, but it’s important to follow postal shipping guidelines before putting old batteries in the mail.
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When in Doubt – Ask Us!
Contact us or send us your recycling questions via Facebook, Twitter, email or phone. We’re here to help! Even expert recyclers have questions about recycling the right way. Rumpke, your recycling leader, wants to help.
It’s important to only recycle items accepted in Rumpke’s program. Putting the wrong material into your recycling bin can cause big problems. Some items damage machines at the recycling center, while other materials, such as batteries, pose hazards to employees or even prevent us from recycling other material.
Rumpke wants to make sure your recycling efforts count. We want to make sure your time and efforts ensure the intended result: positive environmental benefits for generations to come.