Can I Throw Batteries in the Trash?
Can I Throw Batteries in the Trash?
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The only state where it is illegal is California- still, there are better ways to get rid of your old batteries.
The only state where it is illegal is California- still, there are better ways to get rid of your old batteries.
In Seattle, Washington there is now a ban against throwing away any type of battery. This means your local trash removal company will potentially fine you or avoid collecting your garbage until the hazardous materials are removed. It makes sense because batteries contain hard metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc, manganese, nickel, silver, mercury, and lithium. When thrown in the garbage, they can end up in a landfill and can seep into our drinking water and contaminate the air we breathe. Li-Ion batteries incorporate minerals like cobalt, graphite, and lithium and are considered critical minerals in the US. This means they are important to the economy and do not have any easy substitutions. If you are thinking “so what” and you don’t mind getting a potential fine or polluting the planet, just keep in mind that Li-ion batteries are also a fire hazard, and just by storing them improperly, you can set your whole house on fire! Don’t believe me? Here is a YouTube compilation showing the results of improperly stored lithium batteries.
Okay, enough fear mongering on my end. My main point is disposing of (and storing) your batteries properly is not only better for the planet but also the safe thing to do for your household. Be sure to store each lithium battery in its own plastic bag or put nonconductive tape on each end of the battery to avoid sparks. Lithium batteries including your cell phone, computer, and power tools should be stored in a cool, dry area away from flammable materials. For example, keep your phone charging on a side table instead of the carpet and keep your battery collection in an organizational bin in your garage.
For optimal clutter reduction, you can reuse glass jars, plastic clam shells (you know, what razzberries are sold in), wooden boxes, or plastic bags. Avoid storing them in old soup cans or with anything metal, as this can cause a spark. Be sure to label each one with painter’s tape and a sharpie to depict what type of battery is inside. When storing batteries to be disposed of, remember to put the same kind of battery in each container and be sure to keep single-use and reusable batteries separate. Once your organized containers are getting full, you’re ready to recycle.
There are many ways you can recycle or properly dispose of old, hazardous batteries. While the scrap yard near you probably does not accept hazardous waste, most likely, your waste management provider will have a website or a number you can call for more information or to schedule a pickup/drop-off.
If you are a client of mine, I will happily take old batteries off your hands and make sure they are disposed of responsibly.
Here is a website to check on recycling places in your area. https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/
Stores like Lowes and Home Depot may also take your old batteries.
If you live in Seattle, Washington, you can click here https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/where-does-it-go#/item/batteries to schedule a pickup and find places to drop them off, ensuring your old batteries are disposed of properly and/or recycled.
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