Here's Where To Recycle Old Batteries

Wondering where to take those used household batteries?

Yesterday, we reminded Patch readers that Californians can’t throw old AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9 volt and rechargeable batteries in the trash, and that we can’t leave them in our curbside recycling bins.

So what’s a lady to do? Where can a guy take them?

Retail locations like Best Buy, Barnes and Noble, Radio Shack, Frys and Home Depot advertise that they’ll take your used rechargeable batteries, but they don’t want those old flashlight D cells.

Here’s a link to a county-by-county rundown of authorized hazardous waste sites in California that will take all your batteries, rechargeable or not.

Keep in mind, old batteries are considered hazardous because of the metals and/or other toxic or corrosive materials contained in them. But, batteries are also a valuable source of recyclable metal.

CalRecycle gives out some detailed battery advice on their website.

CalRecycle also offers the following links:

Where to Recycle or Safely Dispose Batteries

• Local Solutions
  • Rechargeable Battery and Cell Phone Drop-Off Locator--Find where to recycle used rechargeable batteries from the Call2Recycle Web site.
  • Earth911.com--or call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687), a service of Earth 911, to find the nearest recycling center. Includes information about most recyclable household waste, including household hazardous waste collection centers.
  • eRecycle.org--Recycle your batteries and electronics.
  • Where Can I Recycle My...?--Call 1-800-CLEAN-UP (253-2687) or enter your ZIP code at this Web site to find the nearest recycling center. Includes information about most recyclable household waste, including household hazardous waste collection centers.
  • Local Governmental Household Hazardous Waste Agencies--See the Web site for your local governmental household hazardous waste agency for the latest information in your area.
• Other Solutions
  • The Big Green Box--The Big Green Box™ is a national program that offers companies, consumers, municipalities, and other generators, a low cost, easy, and flexible way to recycle their batteries and portable electronic devices. Once The Big Green Box™ is purchased, all shipping, handling, and recycling fees are included. The Big Green Box™ includes a UN approved, pre-labeled container, pre-paid shipping to and from the recycling facility, and of course, all recycling fees.
  • Battery Solutions--Battery recycling solutions for businesses, governmental agencies, and consumers.
  • Retriev Technologies Inc.--A company that recycles most types and sizes of batteries including alkaline, Lithium, Mercury, NiCd, Lead and many others.
  • Kinsbursky Brothers Inc--A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency permitted battery-recycling facility in California.

-image via CalRecycle