One common misconception when it comes to getting rid of batteris is that you can simply throw them away into the garbage. In some cases throwing away rechargeable batteries like the ones found in a laptop computer can be illegal due to the hazardous materials inside. Here is a quick guide to how to dispose of your batteries in a legal and environmentally conscious way.
How To Get Rid of Single Use Batteries
- Can I Throw Them Out: Yes, most single use batteries are made with common metals are non-hazardous. Federally speaking, single-use batteries like the ones found in a remote control or other electronic device are safe to throw out. This is true everywhere but in California where it is illegal to throw out any type of battery. Also, single-use batteries
- Can They Be Recycled: Yes it is possible to recycle single-use batteries but you have to go to the right location and there is sometimes a fee included when recycling them. To find where you can recycle batteries you can call your local solid waste distric to find out if your community has a collection program or you can find a mail-in recycling program that accepts batteries.
- Can I Bring Them To A Scrap Yard: Most scrap yards do not buy or recycle single-use batteries. As mentioned above, there is a actually a cost to recycling single-use batteries, so the best avenue to take is to check your local community for battery collection services.
How To Get Rid of Rechargeable Batteries
- Can I Throw Them Out: No, recharageble batteries of any kind should not be placed in a trash can. In some states this is illegal because of the heavy metals that can potentially hurt the enviornment. Most recharageble batteries are lead-based, lithium-based, or nickel-based and need to be recycled.
- Can They Be Recycled: Yes, unlike single-use batteries, rechargeable batteries can be recycled at no cost to you. Many home improvement stores or office supply stores will have a box to get rid of rechargeable batteries that have stopped working.
- Can I Bring Them To A Scrap Yard: Once again many scrap metal yards will likely not handle recharageable batteries because they contain hazardous materials and need to be broken down in a specific way.
How To Get Rid of A Car Battery
- Can I Throw Them Out: No, vehicle batteries including batteries found in cars, trucks, boats, and similar vehicles use lead-acid batteries. These are especially dangerous to the environment and they are illegal to bring to a junk yard or simply throw away.
- Can They Be Recycled: Yes, vehicle batteries can be brought to a variety of locations to be recycled and many scrap metal yards will actually pay for batteries as well as the rest of a junk car.
- Can I Bring Them To A Scrap Yard: Check with your local scrap yard and check their prices to see what they will pay to recycle your battery as well as the rest of your vehicle.
Contact Middleboro Scrap Metal Recycling For More Info
If you have questions about what we buy and recycle, please contact our facility in Middleborough Massachusetts.