Household batteries may contain heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. Improper disposal may provide a
means for these heavy metals to be released into the air, groundwater, lakes, and streams via landfill runoff and
incineration.
Recycling and Disposal by Type
Alkaline, Manganese, Carbon-zinc, and Zinc-air
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Used for: flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, smoke alarms, remote controls, garage door openers, transistor radios
Sizes: AAA, AA, C, D, and some in 6V, 9V
Proper Disposal: Place in trash. Spent rechargeable alkaline batteries can also be disposed with household trash.
Please note: Alkaline batteries manufactured before 1996 may contain higher levels of mercury; please bring them
to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Button
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Used for: watches, hearing aids, toys, remote controls
Sizes: vary, but resemble "buttons" in shape
Proper Disposal: These batteries contain mercury and silver. Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste collection for
safe disposal--call District for schedule or see Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Lithium
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Used for: cameras, calculators, computer memory back-up, sneakers, greeting cards.
Sizes: 3V, 6V, 3V button; usually has "lithium" label on the battery.
Proper Disposal: Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Call District for schedule or see Household
Hazardous Waste Collection
Encourage Greeting Card Battery Take Back! Contact the companies you buy greeting cards from and ask them
to take back their cards that include batteries for safe recycling and disposal.
Town transfer stations as well as some offices are participating in the Rechargeable Battery Recycling
Corporation (RBRC) take back program. There are no fees associated with the collection.
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd or Ni-Cad) Rechargeable and Lithium Ion Rechargeable
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Used for: flashlights, toys, cell phones, power tools, computer packs
Sizes: AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, 9V
Proper Disposal: Both batteries contain metals and are hazardous wastes. dispose of safely at a Household
Hazardous Waste Collection
Nickel Metal Hydride (NI-MH) Rechargeable
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Used for: cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders
Proper Disposal: Please note: Battery must be 2 lbs. or smaller for collection boxes. If larger than 2 lbs., call the
for assistance. Or, dispose of safely at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Small Sealed Lead Acid (SLA Rechargeable) and Lead Acid Car Batteries
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Used for: video cameras, power tools, metal detectors, cameras; large batteries for automobiles.
Sizes: Multiples of 2 volts - 2V, 6V, 12V; and large car batteries
Proper Disposal: Lead acid batteries are hazardous. Recycle small (less than 2 lbs.) sealed lead acid batteries for free
Lead acid car batteries: Many auto repair shops, auto parts stores, and metal salvage yards will accept automotive
batteries for recycling. Please contact them directly.