Recycling batteries?

Question

Is there somewhere that recycles old batteries for free? I don't want to just throw them away once they are used since it's bad for the environment. Is there a service like what Lexmark and HP have for returning old inkjet cartridges?

Answer 1

Currently you can only recycle rechargeable batteries.

To reduce waste, start with prevention. Starting with prevention creates less or no leftover waste to become potentially hazardous waste. The following are steps to take to prevent household battery waste.

* Check to see if you already have the batteries on hand before buying more
* When suited to the task buy hand operated items that function without batteries
* Look for the batteries that have less mercury and heavy metals
* Consider rechargeable batteries for some needs, but remember that they also contain heavy metals such as nickel-cadmium.

Rechargeables

Rechargeable batteries result in a longer life span and use fewer batteries. However rechargeable batteries still contain heavy metals such as nickel-cadmium. When disposing of rechargeable batteries, recycle if possible.

The use of rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries can reduce the number of batteries entering the waste stream, but may increase the amount of heavy metals entering the waste stream unless they are more effectively recycled. As of 1992, the percentage of cadmium in nickel-cadmium batteries was higher than the percentage of mercury in alkaline batteries, so substitution might only replace one heavy metal for another, and rechargeable batteries do use energy resources in recharging.

Rechargeable alkaline batteries are available along with rechargers.

Answer 2

This website can help if you live in the US. Just enter in batteries and the city and state you live in and it will tell you a location near you that recycles them.
http://earth911.org/blog/2007/04/02/help-the-environment-batteries/
I take them to Radio Shack. Also, I bought a rechargeable Nimh battery kit- they vary in price so look around-and I use that to recharge the batteries. Nimh batteries are better for the environment (most people use nicd) and they are as good as the normal batteries. So, use up all your old batteries, recycle them, then get an nimh battery recharger and some nimh batteries and you're set for a long while.

Answer 3

I did not see a response for larger batteries such as Lawn mower and car/truck batteries.

For these it is much easier, there are many places that will even purchase these.

There is a place on Leicester Hwy across from the Quality Plus gas station, I don't know the name but you can't miss it. Good luck and happy re-cycling!

Answer 4

It depends where you live but my local council will accept them at the local land fill site for recycling along with car batteries and light bulbs. You should check your local site and find out what they accept, good luck!

Answer 5

Take your batteries to a household hazardous waste event or call the city if one is not available.
Most cities have a website and what to do what your HHW.

Answer 6

In the UK batteries can be recycled at the checkout in PCworld stores.

Answer 7

I know our city has an E-Waste program. Before we had this, we had people come to our city every 6 months or so and they would collect all the Electronic Waste.

Contact your waste facility or you can call one of your city representatives to find out if you have this program.

Answer 8

you know if you take apart an old 9v battery, u can get like 6 AAA batterys from it and make more use of it

Answer 9

Contact your Recycling Coordinator.. She will have the answer

Answer 10

take the old batteries to Radio Shack.