Properly Dispose of Batteries
Almost everyone uses and discards batteries into the waste stream. Although waste batteries are a small amount of the solid waste stream, they are a concentrated source of some types of heavy metals. The main constituents of concern for human health and the environment include: cadmium, lead and mercury. Since 1993, domestically produced alkaline and carbon zinc batteries contain no added mercury and are essentially mercury-free. Since early 1995, rechargeable alkaline batteries contain no added mercury and are essentially mercury-free.

Non-Rechargeable (Disposable)

Type of Battery	Common Uses	Hazardous Component	Disposal Recycling Options
Carbon Zinc	Many household uses	Non-hazardous	Household Garbage
Alkaline	Many household uses	Non-hazardous	Household Garbage
Mercuric Oxide (Button)	Medical equipment	Mercury	Recycling Program
Silver Oxide (Button)	Calculators, watches, cameras	Silver	Recycling Program
Zinc-air (Button)	Hearing aids , pagers, cameras	Mercury	Recycling Program
Lithium	Computers, cameras	Lithium	Recycling Program

Rechargeable (Reusable)

Type of Battery	Common Uses	Hazardous Component	Disposal Recycling Options
Small Sealed Lead Acid	Tools, Camcorders	Lead	Recycling Program
Alkaline	Many household uses	Non-hazardous	Household Garbage
Nickel - Cadmium	Smoke alarms, tools, household uses	Cadmium	Recycling Program