Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Dispose of different types of batteries
• Method 2 of 3: Explore local battery disposal regulations
• Method 3 of 3: Store dead batteries before disposal
• Tips

We use batteries to power everything from flashlights to cars. However, it can be problematic to drain a dead battery. Because batteries contain a variety of hazardous materials, including heavy metals and acids, they can cause serious environmental damage if not disposed of properly. Take different types of batteries to the appropriate recycling, hazardous materials or collection points in the area. Do some research to determine the rules and options for battery disposal in your area. Also, be sure to properly store and care for dead batteries until you hand them in to minimize the risk of fire and dangerous chemical leaks.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Dispose of different types of batteries

1. Dispose of or recycle alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries are the batteries found in most simple devices, such as flashlights, toys, remote controls and smoke alarms. They are available in a variety of sizes, from AAA to 9V. Proper disposal method for alkaline batteries may depend on local waste disposal regulations.
   • Most alkaline batteries produced after 1996 are made from relatively harmless materials and can be disposed of.
   • However, some countries or municipalities require alkaline batteries to be considered hazardous waste. In these cases, the batteries must be recycled or delivered to a specific facility.
   • You can hand in alkaline batteries for recycling at local electronics stores, recycling centers, or community centers. View legebatterijen.nl for collection locations near you.
2. Hand in car batteries to a dealer of car parts or to a collection point for hazardous waste. Since car batteries contain lead acid, they cannot be disposed of or recycled with regular waste. Many large stores accept empty or used car batteries. You can also hand in the batteries to a recycling or disposal facility that specializes in hazardous materials.
3. Take rechargeable batteries to a recycling facility. Rechargeable batteries contain nickel and cadmium, which can pose an environmental hazard if they end up in a landfill or incinerator. These batteries must be returned to a hazardous waste collection point, a recycling facility, or an electronics store that recycles batteries.
   • Many electronics stores accept used batteries for recycling. Visit legebatterijen.nl for a collection point near you.
4. Donate or recycle spent lithium ion batteries. These batteries are usually found in electronics, such as your mobile phone, digital camera, tablet or laptop. Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled at a recycling center or hazardous waste collection point, but can also be donated to re-users and recyclers.
   • Some companies specialize in recycling and reusing lithium batteries and other electronic parts. You can easily find such companies by searching the internet.
   • Check with electronics stores near you that they accept lithium-ion batteries.
5. Dispose of button cell batteries at a hazardous waste collection point or recycling facility. These batteries are used in hearing aids and watches. They contain mercury oxide, lithium, silver oxide or zinc air. They are considered hazardous materials and must therefore be returned to a hazardous materials collection point for proper disposal.
   • Button cell batteries contain highly toxic materials and should never be disposed of with household waste.
   • You can sometimes return button cell batteries to electronics stores.

Method 2 of 3: Explore local battery disposal regulations

1. Check the local government website for guidelines on battery disposal. Proper disposal for different types of batteries can vary significantly from region to region. Check the website for your province, city or municipality for information about battery disposal in your area. For instance:
   • If you live in the UK start by looking at the waste disposal page at gov.uk, this can help you find disposal facilities near you: https://www.gov.uk/hazardous- waste-disposal
   • In the Netherlands, the national government provides information about the disposal of batteries. Information about recycling and disposal of batteries can be found via the following site: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/afval
2. Find recycling facilities in your area. Once you have information about local regulations regarding battery disposal, you need to find the appropriate facilities in your area. Some regions offer programs that allow hazardous waste to be collected from the home or to a central location on a regular basis.
   • For the Netherlands, use the website legebatterijen.nl to search for locations for the recycling or disposal of batteries in your area.
3. Contact the local library or community center. Libraries in many countries offer the option to return batteries. You can also hand in batteries for recycling at some community centers.
4. Call the local waste collection service. The home collection company of the trash or recyclable materials may also provide a hazardous waste collection service. Even if they can't collect your batteries, there may be a drop-off point where you can take the batteries and other hazardous materials.
5. Check local electronics and DIY stores. Many companies accept batteries for recycling or disposal. In many cases, you can simply return the batteries to the store where you bought them. If you are unsure if a store is taking batteries, call ahead. If the store does not take the batteries, they may know a different collection point.

Method 3 of 3: Store dead batteries before disposal

1. Keep your used batteries away from children and pets. Many types of batteries contain hazardous materials, such as mercury, lead and acid. While you are waiting for the batteries to be disposed of, keep them somewhere that children and pets cannot reach as they can be harmed by playing with or swallowing them.
   • If you suspect that a child or pet has swallowed a battery, contact emergency services immediately.
2. Keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. If your batteries corrode or overheat, they can leak or break. It is also important not to store the batteries near flammable materials as this can be a fire hazard.
3. Tape off the poles of your batteries. Sometimes batteries that seem empty are not completely empty. If the positive and negative terminals of old batteries touch, it can cause an electric current, which can lead to a fire. This risk can be minimized by sticking a piece of tape to the terminals of your old batteries until you can dispose of them.
   • A fire can start if the terminals of the batteries come into contact with conductive materials (such as keys, steel wool, and other objects likely to be in your junk drawer).
4. Store exhausted batteries in a cardboard or plastic container. Storing your batteries in a non-conductive container reduces the risk of fire, leakage and breakage.
   • If you still have the original packaging of your batteries, this is a relatively safe holder to store your old batteries.
   • Consider individually packaging particularly hazardous batteries such as 9V alkaline batteries, button cell batteries, lead acid batteries and lithium batteries.
5. Do not store different types of batteries together. Mixing batteries with different chemical compositions can result in leakage and dangerous chemical reactions. If you have multiple types of batteries to dispose of, pack them separately.

Tips

• Many areas have strict rules regarding battery disposal. Batteries should generally not be disposed of with household waste. They must be delivered to an approved hazardous waste collection point or a recycling center for batteries. City and national governments offer drop-off points. In many cases, you can hand in empty batteries to stores that sell batteries, after which they are disposed of at no cost to the consumer.