How should I dispose of old batteries?
Batteries are potentially a valuable source of recyclable metal. All batteries in California must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler, or an authorized recycling facility.
Why should batteries not go to a landfill?
There are different types of batteries which can contain dangerous chemicals including: lead,cadmium, zinc, lithium and even mercury. When batteries begin to rot away in landfill sites these chemicals may leak into the ground, which can cause soil and water pollution.
Can you throw away AA batteries?
As Duracell’s website says: “Alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of with normal household waste.” Energizer confirms that regular batteries are fine to toss in the trash, but says rechargeable batteries should be recycled according to US federal guidelines.
What do I do with old AA batteries?
Ordinary Batteries: Regular alkaline, manganese, and carbon-zinc batteries are not considered hazardous waste and can be disposed of with ordinary trash. Other common single use or rechargeable batteries such as lithium and button batteries are recyclable, but access to recycling may not be available in all locations.
What happens to batteries in landfills?
When depleted batteries are tossed into the trash, they end up in landfills where they decay and leak. … Lithium batteries can cause landfill fires that can smolder for many years. As a result, the toxic chemicals released into the air negatively affect our breathing and contribute to global warming.
How do you dispose of single use batteries?
How to recycle single-use batteries:
- Call your local solid waste district to find out if your community has a collection program or upcoming event.
- Search the area for recycling centers that accept single-use batteries using Earth911’s Recycling Search.
- Find a mail-in recycling program that accepts batteries.
Can AA batteries start a fire?
Even batteries with a small voltage like commonly used AA and AAA alkaline batteries can start a fire under the right conditions. … This can happen easily if a penny touches the uncovered end of a 9V battery, or if a paper clip or other common metal object comes in contact with more than one AA battery.
Can I dispose batteries at Home Depot?
Today, Home Depot stores in nearly every state offer this program to customers. At any designated drop-off location, customers can recycle all used portable rechargeable batteries – those batteries commonly found in traditional household items.
Does Home Depot accept alkaline batteries for recycling?
Yes, Home Depot recycles Alkaline AA batteries. Second most commonly used battery.