Battery waste is a significant environmental issue. Discarded batteries can release toxic heavy metals (i.e. lead, mercury, cadmium) into landfills, polluting soil and water, and can cause fires in waste facilities, endangering lives and costing millions. In order to ensure these are disposed of safely our EH&S Hazardous Waste Program provides collection and recycling services for on campus departments and units for a fee.
How to prepare you battery waste:
- Sort batteries by type
- Tape all battery (except Alkaline) terminals with non-conductive clear tape or individually bag each battery.
- Note: Lithium batteries may spark and cause fires if damaged or the terminal ends touch. For any fires call 911!
- Place batteries in clear plastic
- For small batteries (i.e. AAA, AA, C, D, 9V) can be placed in a 1 quart clear (zip) bag.
- Clearly label (see label)
| Battery Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Alkaline, Nickel - Cadmium, Nickel Iron, and Nickel metal hydride | $ 3 / lb. |
| Mercury or Sliver Zinc | $ 25 / lb. |
| Lead Acid | $ 2 / lb. |
| Lithium | $ 8 / lb. |
| Magnesium | $ 9 / lb. |
| Processing Fee | $ 5 / per request |
Battery Types:
- Alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries include 9 Volt, AA, AAA, C, D and some button cells.
- These small, round batteries have historically contained silver, cadmium, mercury or other heavy metals as their main component.
- Button cells or coin containing lithium metal must have non-conductive clear tape around the entire button/coin.
- These common batteries are made with lithium (Li) metal and are single-use and non-rechargeable. They include 9 Volt, AA, AAA, C, D and some button cells.
- These batteries are typically used in cordless power tools, cordless phones, digital and video cameras, two-way radios, bio-medical equipment and video cameras.
- They may look like single-use AA, AAA or other alkaline batteries or a battery pack shaped for specific tools.
- Commonly found in cellphones, power tools, digital cameras, laptops, children’s toys, e-cigarettes, small and large appliances, tablets and e-readers.
- Some Li-ion batteries are not easily removed from the product and can become problematic as a fire hazard if they are broken, bent or crushed
Commonly found in cellphones, cordless power tools, digital cameras and two-way radios.
Commonly found in digital cameras, wireless keyboards and small electronics.
- Commonly found in mobility scooters, children’s toy cars, emergency lighting and hospital equipment. Also used for backup power in residential landline phones and uninterruptable power supplies for computers.
