Ask the Expert - Going Green With Battery Joe - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

Going Green With Battery Joe

How To Dispose Of Batteries

Battery Joe strives lead the way in its areas of presence by encouraging the recycling of used rechargeable batteries. We make every effort to keep our earth clean by offering a FREE battery drop-off service at any of our retail locations.

Recyclable Batteries

Battery Joe recycles all of the following types of rechargeable batteries:

  • Lead Acid (Pb)
    • Car Batteries
    • Boat Batteries
    • Truck Batteries
    • Motorcycle Batteries
    • ATV Batteries
    • Industrial Batteries
    • Battery Backup Systems
  • Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)
    • Cordless Tool Batteries
    • Phone Batteries
    • TwoWay Radio Batteries
  • Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
    • Cordless Tool Batteries
    • Telephone Batteries
    • TwoWay Radio Batteries
    • Camera and Camcorder Batteries
    • Wireless Barcode Scanner Batteries
  • Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) and Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly)
    • Cell Phone Batteries
    • Laptop Batteries
    • Digital Camera Batteries
    • PDA Batteries
    • MP3 Player Batteries

General Purpose & Alkaline Batteries

Most non-rechargeable batteries can be safely disposed of with normal household waste. Due to concerns about mercury in the municipal solid waste stream, most general purpose and alkaline battery manufacturers have eliminated all of the added mercury from their batteries since 1993 — while maintaining the performance you demand. Most alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals — steel, zinc and manganese — and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal.

It is important not to dispose of large amounts of general purpose batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely "dead." Grouping used batteries together can bring these "live" batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks.

Unfortunately, no proven, cost-effective and environmentally safe recycling processes are yet universally available for most general purpose, non-rechargeable batteries.

Good Reminders

  • Never dispose of batteries in fire, as they could explode
  • Remove worn-out batteries from equipment immediately and dispose of properly
  • Do not attempt to recharge a battery unless the battery specifically is marked "rechargeable."

Battery Joe will be happy to provide additional information on any of these issues — feel free to CONTACT US if you have any further questions regarding Battery Disposal.