Q&A for How to Dispose of Batteries

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Is it OK to throw batteries in the the recycling bin?

Kathryn Kellogg
Sustainability Specialist
Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of goingzerowaste.com, a lifestyle website dedicated to breaking eco-friendly living down into a simple step-by-step process with lots of positivity and love. Kathryn is the author of two books focusing on sustainability, 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste and 101 Tips for a Zero Waste Kitchen. She is the spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic, has been featured by the Guardian, CNN, Refinery29, and Bustle, and has a following on instagram of over 700k.

Kathryn Kellogg

Sustainability Specialist

Expert Answer

No. Avoid putting batteries in your recycling bin since they could explode and injure people.

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Do all batteries need to have tape over the ends to be disposed of safely?

Adrian

Top Answerer

Mostly 9V batteries, as the end of that battery can be short circuited if it touches metal in the two terminals. However, other types have less chance of short circuiting.

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Question

What type of hazardous materials are in an AED?

Adrian

Top Answerer

New ones use lithium-ion, while older ones use lead-acid (found in cars), NiMh (rechargeable everyday batteries and in older cell phones), or NiCad.

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Question

How do you dispose of a lawn tractor battery?

Community Answer

Your lawn tractor battery is probably a lead-acid battery, like the type found in a car. Take the battery to a hazardous waste disposal facility, or bring it back to your retailer for recycling/disposal.

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Question

How are car batteries recycled?

Community Answer

The plastic case is cracked open. Sometimes an alkali like baking soda is used to neutralize the pH of the battery. The lead plates are removed and melted down and the plastic is melted down. The liquid in the battery, after being brought to a neutral (aka non-reactive), it's just water.

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Question

I have a rechargeable battery pack that is hot if touched. How do I recycle that?

Community Answer

Put your battery pack in a non-conductive, non-flammable container and take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

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How should I dispose of an old lithium battery from my laptop?

Community Answer

Bring it to your local hardware store: Lowes, Home Depot, etc. They should be able to dispose of it.

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Question

How do I dispose of batteries properly in Mississippi?

Community Answer

Look it up online, or ask a local official. Many places have laws that differ from town-to-town, or county-to-county, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

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Question

How does a battery work?

Community Answer

Energy inside the battery is used as voltage to power the components in a circuit.

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Question

Where do I dispose of a phone battery in Chennai?

Community Answer

You may be able to return the battery to your phone service provider or the store where you purchased your phone.

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Question

Do AA and AAA batteries have to have non-conductive tape over each end to prevent fire?

Community Answer

In general, it is a good idea to tape the terminals of all types of batteries -- including AA and AAA alkaline batteries -- to prevent fire, especially if the batteries will be stored together or with other conductive materials.

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Question

Where can I dispose of batteries in Columbus, Ohio?

Community Answer

Check your local government website for detailed information on battery disposal laws and resources in Columbus, OH. You can also search the Earth911 website for battery disposal and recycling options in your area.

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I'm in San Diego county. How can I dispose of batteries?

Community Answer

Check your county's government website for detailed information on how to dispose of batteries in your area. You can also check the Earth911 website for local recycling facilities.

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Question

How do I dispose of a cellphone battery in Arizona?

Community Answer

Check your municipality's government website for specific instructions. In general, cell phone batteries are considered hazardous waste, and must be disposed of at an appropriate facility. Some electronics retailers in your area may accept used cell phone batteries. You can also find local disposal facilities on the Earth911 website: http://earth911.com.

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Can I bury a portable power bank that's bloated and not working anymore?

Community Answer

No, if the battery leaks it will release hazardous substances into the soil.

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How do I dispose of hearing aid batteries in Seattle?

Community Answer

Dead alkaline batteries, including AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt, can go in your curbside garbage bin. At the moment this is the only curbside disposal option for this type of battery. However, you can also recycle alkaline batteries at several Household Hazardous Waste Facilities in the Seattle area.

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