You Have the Power: How to Properly Manage Your Batteries
There are many types of consumer batteries that we use every day, from the tiny button batteries in a wrist watch to the lead-acid battery in a car. All batteries have chemicals inside them. The chemicals in some batteries--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 in order to protect our environment. Fairfax County has a program targeting the recovery of recyclable batteries. There are options for the safe management of batteries. See below to learn how best to manage all battery types.
Residential
Alkaline | Button | Rechargeable | Automotive
Household alkaline batteries: (nonrechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt).
These are typically used in flashlights, smoke detectors, radios, toys and remote controls for many devices.
Today's alkaline batteries have been re-engineered and reformulated. The components now have a very low toxicity. As result, alkaline batteries may be disposed of safely in your household trash. Please DO NOT bring alkaline batteries to the Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste Facilities.
Button batteries
Button batteries are found in watches, hearing aids and some cameras.
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.
Rechargeable batteries
These include nickel-cadmium (NiCd); lithium ion (Li-ion); nickel metal hydride (NiMH); small sealed lead acid (SSLA or Pb). Rechargeable batteries come in many types, including standard AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt, or a special design for a specific device. They may be removable or internal to a device.
They can be found in: cellular and cordless phones, video and digital cameras, personal information and entertainment devices (PDAs, MP3 players, some video games, etc.), cordless power tools, portable computers, shavers, toothbrushes, emergency lighting, security and alarm systems, computer backup devices and hospital equipment.
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.
Automotive batteries
Cars, light trucks, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles all use this type.
Automotive batteries are not household hazardous waste; however, federal and state law require that they be properly recycled. When recycling automotive batteries, please beware of leaks and keep upright. You may bring them to the Citizens' Recycling and Disposal Facilities at the I-66 Transfer Station Complex or the I-95 Landfill Complex during normal operating hours.
Commercial
Proper Battery Handling for Business
Businesses are required by federal and state law 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.