One topic leads to another. While you may never see the large scale “batteries” I mentioned in my last post, we use batteries every day. Due to our technology having differing requirements for size, voltage, output, and recharge ability, there are lots of different types. What batteries you can and should recycle can be a little confusing.

Types of Batteries

I found a very clear write up about battery types on Wikihow here.

1. Alkaline, or manganese: This type is used in flashlights, toys, remote controls and smoke alarms. They range in size from AAA to 9 volts. In all state except California, which has strict disposal guidelines, alkaline batteries are considered standard municipal waste and can be thrown away normally.

2. Carbon zinc: Considered heavy-duty batteries, this type is made in all standard sizes and has a non-hazardous designation. Like alkaline batteries, they can be thrown in the trash.

3. Button: This kind of battery is used in hearing aids and watches and contains mercuric oxide, lithium, silver oxide or zinc-air. They are considered hazardous material and must be brought to a household hazardous waste collection site for proper handling.

4. Lithium and lithium-ion: Lithium batteries are used in various small appliances and have been branded non-hazardous by the government. They are accepted at battery-recycling centers.

5. Rechargeable, alkaline or nickel metal hydride: These types are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream. They are accepted at battery-recycling centers.

6. Rechargeable, sealed lead-acid or nickel-cadmium: These types must be taken to either a household hazardous waste site or a recycling center. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal.

7. Lead-acid vehicle: Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and are either 6 or 12 volts. This type is large and contains very corrosive material. Most vehicle-battery retailers will dispose of your old battery when you buy a new one. Metal recyclers also will buy your old battery for scrap, since the lead can be reformed, as can the plastic case.

Why Recycle?

While alkaline, carbon-zinc, and lithium batteries can be thrown away, they all contain recyclable components, which means you can keep them out of the waste stream. Any reclaimed metal from these batteries used in industry means less mining for metal ore.

If you are collecting batteries for recycling, please tape the metal contact ends so that they can’t touch. If the batteries connect, they can heat up and explode. Heat is bad for batteries in any situation, so don’t keep that bag of batteries in your car. Lithium batteries can explode if they get too hot even without any other batteries around, which is one reason why recycling them is preferable to throwing them away (and then exploding in a landfill).

When it comes to recycling, knowledge is power, so let’s share some knowledge! What businesses and organizations in your area are leading the way with battery recycling?