Can Rechargeable Batteries Go In The Trash?
Did you know that rechargeable batteries are not accepted in home garbage or recycling?
CONCERNS WITH BATTERIES
Many types of batteries contain toxic metals such as lead or cadmium and may also contain strong acids or bases. Lithium batteries pack more energy into less space and even a “dead” battery has a lot of energy left in it. Lithium is highly reactive and that energy can cause fires when they are broken open, damaged, or shorted
Lithium batteries have been responsible for fires in transportation, garbage and recycling facilities nationwide when they become damaged by sorting and processing machinery. Please do not place lithium batteries in the trash OR the recycling bins. They should be taken to an appropriate collection point only.
Lithium, Button, and Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries and any type of lithium battery should not be placed in the trash or recycling bins.
Examples:
- Li-ion
- Lithium (single use)
- Ni-Cad
- NiMH
- Button
- Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA)
Recycling Automotive Batteries
Auto batteries, also known as wet-cell lead-acid batteries, should not be placed in the trash or recycling bins.
NOTE: Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries are NOT accepted at SWA facilities. Refer to dealer only.
Rechargeable batteries are considered environmentally preferable because they can be reused and reduce waste, but they contain toxic materials such as lead and cadmium, which should be kept out of landfills.
NOTE: Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries are NOT accepted at SWA facilities. Refer to dealer only.
Single Use and Recycle Disposable Alkaline and Heavy Duty Batteries
The most common sIngle-use batteries can be placed in the trash. Examples are:
Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon
Exception: Single-use Lithium and Button batteries should be managed with rechargeable batteries.
WHERE CAN I TAKE USED BATTERIES?
- Alkaline batteries can be thrown away in your garbage
- Other single use batteries such as lithium should be recycled.
- Many large retailers have collection boxes usually inside the lobby or near the entrance.
- Auto batteries: Auto batteries should be brought to your retailer when purchasing a replacement, or they can be brought to all SWA collection sites during all operating hours.
HOW ARE BATTERIES RECYCLED?
Batteries are shipped to one of several facilities in the US where they are mechanically broken apart and then melted into blocks of component metals. These blocks are then sold back to manufacturers to use as raw materials in other products. Lead acid batteries are generally made back into to automotive batteries.
It’s easy and free to recycle rechargeable batteries from your cordless electronic products. Visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation at www.rbrc.org.
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