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Proper Alkaline Battery Disposal

Alkaline battery disposal used to pose a major environmental threat. A major reason for this was the lead content of most batteries. Since lead has been phased out of battery production, single-use alkaline battery disposal has be come simpler and safer.

  1. Composition

    • Current alkaline batteries don't contain lead or other materials regulated as hazardous waste. The electrolyte and other battery components are solids and considered safe for disposal with other household garbage.

    Procedures

    • Since batteries are considered solid waste and don't fit any toxicity requirements, there aren't usually any special procedures for disposing of single-use alkaline batteries. They can simply be disposed of in the trash.

    Alternatives

    • Recycling sites for single-use alkaline batteries are rare, except in California where these batteries are considered hazardous waste and must be recycled. In other communities, alkaline battery recycling sites may be hard to find.

    Concerns

    • Some used batteries may still be partially charged. Large quantities of batteries disposed together may contact each other to create potentially dangerous situations.

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