Our world runs on batteries, from our smart phones to tv remotes. Most people only think of them when they run out, but we should all think about how to handle and dispose of them to keep ourselves and our homes safe. Today, we’re going to look at household batteries, how to handle and store them, what hazardous household waste they can contain, and where you can dispose of them. For information on car batteries, including proper handling and disposal, see the dedicated page below:
Hazards
- Batteries burned in waste combustion facilities can release mercury or cadmium to the air and water, ultimately entering the food chain and posing health threats to people and the environment.
Description of battery categories:
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- Alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9 volt): since 1994, most types contain no added mercury, and only contain trace amounts that are not hazardous. These batteries are marked “no added mercury” or have a green tree logo.
- Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries (NiCads) exist in many sizes and shapes and are marked RECHARGEABLE. Some may be built into rechargeable appliances and other electronics. NiCads contain cadmium, a metal that is toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested.
- Button batteries are small, round. silver-colored, used in watches and hearing aids. Many button batteries contain mercury, a metal that is toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested.
- Lithium batteries (AA, C, 9 volt and button; mainly used in computers and cameras). Lithium is reactive with water and has caused serious fires.
Handling
- Store in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children and pets. Button batteries can accidentally be swallowed because they are small and slippery.
- When storing rechargeable batteries for collection, keep in a vented, non-metal container. Rechargeable batteries should be placed individually in plastic bags before being stored together with other rechargeables.
- If your lithium batteries are starting to swell, they should be removed from devices at once. Do not puncture: they contain toxic gasses.
Management Options
Alkaline batteries:
- Most non-rechargeable batteries in the US today are alkaline batteries. These are safe to dispose of in the trash. They tend to leak potassium hydroxide once they lose charge. This can damage electronics and burn skin, so inspect batteries before handling them.
- Domestically manufactured batteries made after 1994 no longer contain mercury and can be disposed of in the trash.
Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries:
- Do not dispose of in the trash. Take to a retail collection location or dispose of at a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center, or save for a household hazardous waste collection event.
Button batteries:
- Do not dispose of in the trash. Many stores selling watches or hearing aids will accept spent button batteries. If your trash is handled by a waste-to-energy facility, find out if they have a mercury waste collection program, save for a household hazardous waste collection event, or hold for disposal at a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center.
Lithium batteries:
- Do not dispose of in the trash. When damaged or exposed to water in a garbage truck or waste facility, they can experience “thermal runaway” and catch fire. Hold for disposal at a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center, or save for a household hazardous waste collection event.
Learn more about which are safe to dispose of at home in our blog, Can You Dispose of Household Batteries in the Trash?
This information was brought to you by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and NEDT. For more information, including links to their guides, visit our Fact Sheets & Links page, and make sure to check out our NEDT Blog and Household Hazardous Products Resources for more in-depth information.
