Battery Disposal
For battery disposal options, search Metro's online directory or call the Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000
Common hazardous ingredients
Lithium, nickel, cadmium, lead, sulfuric acid, potassium hydroxide, mercury, silver (mercury batteries are no longer commercially available).
Potential hazards
Batteries can explode when heated, burned or damaged. Chemicals released due to battery leakage or explosion can cause internal or external irritation or burns. Environmental pollution of air and water from the release of toxic heavy metals when incinerated or disposed of in unlined landfills.
Storage
Store all household batteries out of reach of children and pets and away from sources of heat.
Disposal
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries like the ones in many cell phones and computers. Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the garbage. These batteries can cause fires.
Best: Several retailers accept lithium-ion batteries for recycling. Check the Call2Recycle website to find a location near you.
Second best: Take to a hazardous waste facility or collection event.
Nickel cadmium, mercury-oxide and silver-oxide button batteries
Never throw nickel cadmium, mercury-oxide and silver-oxide button batteries in the garbage.
Best: Recycle. Many stores that sell rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries will take them back for recycling. Mercury-oxide and silver-oxide button batteries are sometimes collected by jewelers, pharmacies, hospitals and hearing aid stores for shipping to companies that reclaim the metals.
Second best: Take to a hazardous waste facility or collection event.
Common household alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries
Best: Take to a hazardous waste facility or collection event.
Second best: Several retailers accept houehold batteries for proper disposal. Regular AA, AAA, C and D alkaline batteries are no longer manufactured with mercury, but other batteries still release toxic heavy metals that pollute air and water.
For more details on battery disposal options, search Metro's online directory or call the Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000.
Alternatives
- Buy rechargeable batteries.
- Consider alternatives to battery-operated products.