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BATTERIES
How do I Recycle Batteries and which ones can I throw away in the Trash?
Batteries provide a reliable and inexpensive mobile power source. There are growing numbers of batteries bought, used and disposed of in the United States each year. Currently, there are four types of commonly used household batteries. Most are potentially harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of correctly. Almost all types of batteries can be recycled.
Lead-Acid Automobile Batteries – Contain lead and sulfuric acid. They are generally found in cars, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles. Currently, 90% of the nation’s automobile lead-acid batteries are recycled. To recycle a lead-acid battery, return it to the auto parts store you bought it from, bring them to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection day sponsored by the Town each year in November.
Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon Batteries – Traditional, one-time-use, dry-cell batteries (9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA) that power items like flashlights, remote controls, toys and appliances. Because these batteries are one-time-use, they are not as econonical as their rechargeable counterparts. In addition, they are the hardest batteries to recycle. The Town recommends buying rechargeable dry-cell batteries whenever possible. If you need to use alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries, throw them into the trash at the end of their useful life.
Rechargeable Batteries – Used in electronic equipment and as dry-cells. Rechargeable batteries include: nickel-cadmium (Ni-CD), nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and small-sealed lead-acid. As their name implies, they can be recharged numerous times, extending their use and making them more ecomonical compared to alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries. These batteries should be brought to a household hazardous waste collection day event.
Button-Cell Batteries – Found in items such as watches and hearing aids. They may contain mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium, or other heavy metals. Remember to ask the retailer what the battery is made of.~ If it contains one of the heavy metals listed above, recycle it by returning it to the retail store where it was purchased.~ These stores are required by law to take back the batteries and recycle them free of charge. Other alternatives include dropping~them off at the Public works office located at 55 Summer street, Lynnfield,MA. 01940 or bring them to the Towns' annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day that is usually held in November.
Battery Type |
Usage |
Proper Disposal |
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) |
Flashlights, toys, cellular phones, power tools, two way radios |
Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site |
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) |
Hybrid vehicles, two way radios, digital cameras, power tools, barcode scanners and printers |
You can throw them in the trash. |
Lithium ion (Li-Ion) |
Cell phones, laptops, two way radios, hybrid vehicles, barcode scanners and printers |
You can throw them in the trash. |
Reusable Alkaline Manganese |
Flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, radios, remote controls |
Place in the trash |
Sealed Lead Acid |
Wheelchairs, ATV's, emergency lighting |
Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site |
Lead Acid Vehicle Batteries |
Cars, trucks, motorcycles |
Take back to place of purchase |
Alkaline Manganese |
Flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, smoke alarms, remote controls |
You can throw them in the trash |
Button |
Watches, hearing aids, toys, greeting cards, remote controls |
Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site |
Carbon Zinc |
Flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, smoke alarms, remote controls, transistor radios, garage door openers |
Place in the trash |
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