Regular ALKALINE batteries (each battery will be marked as Alkaline) are no longer accepted for recycling. They can now be safely placed in with your regular trash.
In 1996, consumer groups put pressure on the battery manufacturers to eliminate MERCURY from their alkaline batteries. This resulted in the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act being passed. It required all mercury to be phased out of alkaline batteries, the most commonly used household battery sold to consumers. This now allows them to be safely disposed of in the regular household trash.
Battery Disposal Tips
- It is important NOT to dispose of large amounts of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely "dead." Grouping used batteries together can bring these "live" batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks.
- Never dispose of batteries in fire, as they could explode.
- Remove worn-out batteries from equipment immediately and dispose of promptly.
- Do not attempt to recharge a battery unless the battery specifically is marked "rechargeable." Dispose of immediately.
- Keep all batteries — used or new — out of the reach of children.
All other types of batteries including rechargeable, need to be recycled. That includes:
- Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries. They contain the toxic metal cadmium.
- Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
- Silver Oxide or button batteries. Usually found in hearing aids, calculators and wristwatches. They contain Mercury.
- Lithium (Li-ion) contain lithium. Usually found in cell phones, laptops and iPods.
- Lithium batteries are a new form of rechargeable battery technology. They are most often found in cell phones, laptops, and other consumer electronics. Lithium batteries have the potential to overheat and explode when exposed to high temperatures. When storing batteries for future use or for recycling, store them in a cool place, do not let the terminals come in contact with any metal surface or other battery terminals. A fire could possibly result. When bringing the batteries in for recycling, each battery should be placed in its own separate plastic bag. This reduces the chance of the batteries overheating and causing a fire.
- Automotive Batteries can be recycled at our Recycle Center.
If you have any question regarding recycling household batteries please call us at 812-988-0140.
Battery Terminology
- NiMH: Ni stands for Nickel, the M stands for Metal, and the H stands for Hydryde thus Nickel Metal Hydryde.
- Ag: Silver
- C: Carbon
- Cd: Cadmium
- Hg: Mercury
- Li: Lithium
- Mn: Manganese
- Pb: Lead
- Z: Zinc
RBRC, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, recycles the following battery chemistries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) weighing less than 2 lbs./1 kg.