The lead and plastic in car batteries can be recycled for use in new batteries.
In most households it is difficult to imagine going an entire day without using something that relies on a battery in one way or another. Whether it's turning on your television with a remote control, checking your cell phone's voicemail or starting your vehicle in the morning, some type of battery is required. When the battery inevitably dies, it is important consider the proper disposal method because batteries contain heavy metals and acids that damage the environment by leaching into soil and groundwater.
Instructions
1. Dispose of standard alkaline batteries with the household trash. These types of batteries are those commonly found in flashlights, remote controls and toys and include the AAA, AA, C and D sizes, as well as 6V and 9V batteries. Although it is rare, some communities will collect alkaline batteries for recycling. Call your municipality or local government to see if such a recycling effort is available in your area.
2. Dispose of button-type batteries by taking them to a local hazardous waste collection site. Button-type batteries are those frequently found in watches, hearing aids and some remote controls. These batteries contain heavy metals, such as mercury and lithium, which make them dangerous to the environment. If you're not sure where the nearest hazardous waste collection site is in your area, call your local environmental or solid waste management agency or chamber of commerce.
3. Dispose of lithium or lithium ion batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries (labeled Ni-Li) and nickel cadmium batteries (labeled Ni-Cd) by taking them to a local recycling or collection site. Both nickel cadmium and nickel hydride batteries are rechargeable and are often found in cell phones, computer packs and power tools. Lithium batteries are often used in cameras and calculators. Many well-known building supply centers and electronic stores collect and recycle these batteries. Go to "Call2recycle.org" and enter your ZIP code to find the collection site nearest you.
4. Dispose of lead-acid vehicle batteries by taking them to a battery retailer or scrap metal dealer. Most retailers, such as automotive supply stores, who sell car batteries will accept your old battery. A small fee may be required for this service. Many scrap metal dealers will also accept old car batteries. In this case, the dealer will pay you cash for the battery. Call the scrap metal dealer ahead of time to ensure they accept car batteries.
Tags: collection site, scrap metal, taking them, accept batteries, alkaline batteries, batteries contain
