| | | Greening Rockville > Recycling > Recycling Batteries
| 
| | | | Batteries provide a reliable and inexpensive mobile power source. There are growing numbers of batteries bought, used and disposed of in the United States each year. Currently, there are four types of commonly used household batteries. Most are potentially harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of correctly. Almost all types of batteries can be recycled.  Lead-Acid Automobile Batteries – Contain lead and sulfuric acid. They are generally found in cars, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles. Currently, 90% of the nation’s automobile lead-acid batteries are recycled. To recycle a lead-acid battery, return it to the auto parts store you bought it from, arrange for a free household hazardous waste (HHW) pickup by calling 240-314-8568 or drop it off at the Montgomery County Transfer Station (16101 Frederick Road, Derwood MD 20855).
- Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon Batteries – Traditional, one-time-use, dry-cell batteries (9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA) that power items like flashlights, remote controls, toys and appliances. Because these batteries are one-time-use, they are not as econonical as their rechargeable counterparts. In addition, they are the hardest batteries to recycle. The City recommends buying rechargeable dry-cell batteries whenever possible. If you need to use alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries, throw them into the trash at the end of their useful life.
- Rechargeable Batteries – Used in electronic equipment and as dry-cells. Rechargeable batteries include: nickel-cadmium (Ni-CD), nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and small-sealed lead-acid. As their name implies, they can be recharged numerous times, extending their use and making them more ecomonical compared to alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries. Rechargeable batteries are easily recyclable. Recycle rechargeable batteries by dropping them in area businesses’ battery recycling bins or taking them to the Montgomery County Transfer Station (16101 Frederick Road, Derwood MD 20855)
- Button-Cell Batteries – Found in items such as watches and hearing aids. They may contain mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium, or other heavy metals. Remember to ask the retailer what the battery is made of. If it contains one of the heavy metals listed above, recycle it by returning it to the retail store where it was purchased. These stores are required by law to take back the batteries and recycle them free of charge. Other alternatives include dropping them off at the Montgomery County Transfer Station (16101 Frederick Road, Derwood MD 20855) or arrange for a free HHW pickup with the City by calling 240-314-8568. Drop off batteries when you are making a trip for other purposes or collect 10 or more before calling the City for a pickup.
Additional Resources: |
|
|
