Businesses of all types, large and small, rely on batteries. Whether it’s large batteries for vehicles or smaller batteries for common electronics like power tools, cell phones, or children’s toys, there are multiple items in your office or home that need batteries in order to function. In addition, municipalities and large organization use industrial, lead-acid batteries to run commuter trains and provide emergency power for essential services such as hospitals and the police. Batteries are an essential part of our daily lives and as a result, we need to properly care for and dispose of them when their usefulness has been depleted.

Batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, nickel, and cadmium. All of these substances can harm the soil and groundwater when they are not properly disposed of.

There are federal regulations for battery disposal and recycling and several states also have their own, more stringent laws. For example, in regards to lead-acid batteries for vehicles, almost any shop or store that sells these batteries must also collect the used batteries for recycling.  As a result of this regulation over ninety six percent of lead-acid batteries are successfully recycled and kept out of landfills.

In addition, the Call2Recycle Program offered by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation offers businesses and consumers access to locations where rechargeable batteries are sold. While rechargeable batteries may cost a bit more, their lifetime is significantly longer than traditional batteries and can therefore save you money in the long run.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Even the smallest of batteries contains toxic substances so it’s important to put spent batteries aside instead of disposing of them in the trash. Many electronics and home repair stores offer battery collection, so the next time you’re in your preferred store be sure to ask. If they don’t currently have a recycling drop-off they might just start one!