Each year over two billion household batteries are purchased in the United States to power a variety of products. Some household batteries may contain toxic metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and silver, which can contaminate our air and water when the batteries are incinerated or disposed of in a landfill. Eventually these metals can accumulate in living tissue and cause adverse health effects.
Once a battery is used up or no longer useful, the battery’s chemistry will determine how best to dispose of it. Look on the battery’s label or packaging to identify what it is made of, then use this guide to identify the safe disposal method.
Many stores that sell electronics or batteries will accept used batteries. Be sure to call first.
For Disposal of specific types, see below:
Single Use Alkaline batteries: AA, AAA, C, D (Common batteries)
Safe to place in trash.
Lead Acid Automotive Batteries (Car battery):
Can be brought to automotive battery retailers to redeem core charge.
In St. Louis County you can bring lead acid (car) batteries to the Regional Landfill or the Aurora, Brookston, Cook, Hibbing, or Northwoods Transfer Stations.
Rechargeable Batteries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Lithium ion (Li-ion), Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH)
These can't go into the garbage, and should be brought to the Virginia or Hibbing Household Hazardous Waste facility. Other rechargeable batteries from household use are accepted at either HHW facility as well.
Single-use Batteries: Button Batteries (Lithium)
Lithium batteries may be reactive. Place each in a separate plastic bag, or put tape over battery terminals. Bring to Hazardous Waste Facility.