Old batteries should not be thrown in the trash or recycling bins. Instead, they should be recycled or taken to household hazardous waste collection points. Here are some tips on how to dispose of different types of batteries:
- Alkaline batteries: These can be thrown in the trash.
- Nickel Cadmium batteries and Nickel Metal hydride batteries: These need to be recycled and cannot go into the trash. The terminals should be taped with non-conductive tape like electrical tape, duct tape, or packing tape.
- Lead Acid batteries: These need to be recycled and cannot go into the trash. They can be recycled at almost all auto part stores and county convenience centers.
- Lithium-ion batteries: These should not be thrown in the trash or recycling bins. They can be recycled at some office supply stores or shipped to specialized battery recyclers.
- Button-cell or coin batteries: These can be a potential swallowing hazard and should be stored out of the reach of young children.
Before recycling, it is recommended to tape off the terminals of the batteries and keep the labels visible. The batteries can be stored in a plastic or cardboard container that doesn’t conduct electricity in case of any accidental discharge.
