It is hard to imagine that only a few years ago, we used to talk on phones with cords. Now, so much is cordless. We can even recharge our devices without a cord.
Batteries of all kinds, mercury button-cell, Li-ion, rechargeable, and single-use, are everywhere and can be found in more devices than ever. It is important to understand how to manage our batteries once they no longer hold a charge as it can be confusing.
The first step is to determine what kind of battery you have.
Batteries fall into two categories: single-use or rechargeable. Notice the symbols and/or letters (Li-ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Pb-Acid, etc.) on your batteries. Many batteries will contain a recycling symbol or an image of a trash can or toter with a line through it, an indication that the battery can be recycled.
Then, how do I properly dispose of or recycle batteries?
- Rechargeable batteries (Lithium, Ni-Cd, Li-Ion, Ni-MH, small sealed Pb-Acid, mercury button-cell) can be recycled at the recycling facility inside the red door.
- Household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C cell, D cell, 9V, etc.) are considered solid waste. Please put these in with your regular trash.
- Single-use lithium batteries (typically short and pudgy) are very dangerous if disposed of incorrectly. Recently, a tablet disposed of in the landfill was run over and caught fire. These types of batteries need to be saved and taken to a hazardous waste collection event.
- Automotive (car, truck, marine): Ask the recycling attendant at the landfill where to place them to be recycled or return them to the original purchase location.
Many single-use batteries can be replaced with a rechargeable alternative. There is a cost to purchase the new batteries and a charger; however, you reduce your waste and in the long run, save money.
The world is changing and part of that change is how we power our lives. Batteries are everywhere, in our electric cars, cordless power tools, lighting, children’s toys, and even a personal fan. As batteries become a larger part of our lives, we need to do our part to recycle or dispose of them properly at the end of their useful lives.
For more information about the Lebanon Solid Waste & Recycling Facility, visit LebanonNH.gov/SolidWaste or contact Solid Waste Manager Marc Morgan, marc.morgan@lebanonnh.gov
Original source can be found here.
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