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All batteries contain chemicals. Some of these chemicals -- especially lead, nickel, cadmium, mercury, zinc and silver--can be problematic if they are leaked or released into our environment. Many batteries can be disposed of safely in household trash while others need special handling. See below to learn how best to manage all battery types.
Residential
Alkaline
Rechargeable
Button
Lead Acid
(Automotive)
Commercial
Residential
Description: The everyday household batteries used in flashlights, remote controls, and other appliances. Labeled "alkaline," the size can be AA, AAA, 9v, D or C.
How to manage: Alkaline batteries may be disposed of safely in your household trash. This is because today's alkaline batteries have been re-engineered and reformulated to a very low toxicity. Please DO NOT bring alkaline batteries to the Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste Facilities.
If you can recharge it - you can recycle it!
Description: Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders, and remote control toys. Labeled "rechargeable," the size can be AA, AAA, 9v, D, C or be specially designed for a particular device. The chemistry of the battery, which is usually listed on the cover, may be Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn), or Lead (Pb).
How to manage: Please recycle your rechargeable batteries. See the online chart for a list of free collection points. If you are a business, please see the commercial section, below.
Description: These small, round "button-cell" type batteries are found in items such as watches, hearing aids and some cameras.
How to manage: Residents may take their button batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste Facilities at the I-66 Transfer Station Complex or the I-95 Landfill Complex during household hazardous waste program hours.
Lead Acid (Automotive) batteries
Description: These are used to power cars, light trucks, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles.
How to manage: Lead acid batteries are not household hazardous waste; however, federal and state laws require that they be properly recycled. When transporting them, please beware of leaks and keep upright. Many service stations or retailers will take back your used lead acid battery when purchasing a new one. You may also bring used lead acid batteries to the Recycling and Disposal Facility at the I-66 Transfer Station Complex or the I-95 Landfill Complex during normal operating hours.
Commercial
Businesses are required by federal and state laws to recycle or otherwise properly dispose of their rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are classified as hazardous waste requiring disposal in a permitted hazardous waste management facility unless they are recycled or reclaimed. Disposal of hazardous waste can be very costly, paperwork-intensive and can result in financial liabilities if disposed of improperly. All of these issues can be avoided if the batteries are recycled or reclaimed.
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation has programs to recycle nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion (Li-ion), and small sealed lead (Pb) rechargeable batteries. The corporation also offers recycling plans for retailers, businesses, communities and public agencies. The program is free for these groups. Participating businesses only pay for shipping to the reclamation facility. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation provides collection materials and pays recycling costs. For more information, contact them at 1-800-8-BATTERY, TTY 1-800-255-0056. See also, business hazardous waste.
A federal battery act was established in 1996. The purposes of this act are to facilitate the recycling of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and certain small sealed lead-acid (SSLA) rechargeable batteries and to phase out the use of mercury in batteries. To learn more, visit EPA's Web site.
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