Printer
TextBatteries
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. Alkaline batteries can be disposed of safely in household trash while others need special handling. See below to learn how best to manage different types of batteries.
Residential
Alkaline
Ni-Cd and Ni-MH
Rechargeable
Mercury
Lead Acid
(Automotive)
Commercial
Residential
Alkaline batteries
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: ONLY 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.
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Description: These are commonly used in cordless power tools and laptop computers as well as cellular phones and cameras. Labeled "Ni-Cd" or “Ni-MH” they come in various sizes including 9v, D, and AA. They can also be small, round button-cell type batteries.
How to manage:
- Nonrechargeable Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries are considered hazardous and should be taken to one of the Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste Facilities.
- If labeled "rechargeable" the batteries can be recycled. See the online chart for a list of free collection points of rechargeable batteries. If not specifically labeled as rechargeable, please manage Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries as hazardous waste.
- If you are a business, please see the commercial section, below.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries can be reused while single-use batteries cannot. Initially, rechargeable batteries may cost more, but the benefits are realized in long-term cost savings and environmental protection. Remember, 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, video and digital cameras, two-way radios, MP3 players, computer backup devices, shavers, toothbrushes, emergency lighting, security and alarm systems, hospital equipment, camcorders, and remote control toys. They may be removable or internal to a device. 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.
Mercury batteries
Description: These batteries come in several shapes and sizes, including AA, AAA and small, round button-cell type batteries which are found in items such as watches, hearing aids and some cameras.
How to manage: Residents may take their mercury 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.
Lithium batteries
Description: These can be used in many electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones and laptop computers. Labeled "Lithium" or “Li-ion” they can be 9v, C, and AA. They can also be small, round button-cell type batteries.
How to manage:
- Nonrechargeable lithium batteries are considered hazardous and should be taken to one of the Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste Facilities.
- If labeled "rechargeable," the batteries can be recycled. See the online chart for a list of free collection points of rechargeable batteries. If not specifically labeled as rechargeable, please manage lithium batteries as hazardous waste.
- If you are a business, please see the commercial section, below.
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.
Website Survey 