 How to Dispose of Batteries. We use batteries to run everything from flashlights to cars. But getting rid of a used-up battery can pose a problem. Because they contain various hazardous materials, including heavy metals and acids, batteries can cause serious environmental harm if not discarded properly. Dispose of different types of batteries in appropriate recycling facilities, hazardous waste facilities, or at designated drop-off sites in your community. Do some research to determine the regulations and options for battery disposal in your area. Finally, properly store and care for used batteries before you dispose of them to minimize the risk of fire and dangerous chemical leaks. Disposing of different types of batteries. Throw away or recycle alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries are the type that power most simple battery-operated devices, such as flashlights, toys, remote controls, or smoke alarms. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from AAA to 9 volt. Proper disposal methods for alkaline batteries may depend on your local waste regulations. Most alkaline batteries manufactured since 1996 are made of relatively non-hazardous materials, and can be tossed directly into the trash. However, some states or municipalities still require that alkaline batteries be treated as hazardous waste. In these cases, the batteries must be recycled or dropped off at a designated facility. You may be able to drop off alkaline batteries for recycling at a local electronics retailer, recycling center, or community center. Check the Earth 911 website for drop-off locations in your area. Most alkaline batteries manufactured since 1996 are made of relatively non-hazardous materials, and can be tossed directly into the trash. However, some states or municipalities still require that alkaline batteries be treated as hazardous waste. In these cases, the batteries must be recycled or dropped off at a designated facility. You may be able to drop off alkaline batteries for recycling at a local electronics retailer, recycling center, or community center. Check the Earth 911 website for drop-off locations in your area. Dispose of car batteries at an auto parts retailer or hazardous waste collection site. Since car batteries contain lead acid, they can't be disposed of in the trash or tossed in with your recycling. Many retailers, like Home Depot or Auto Zone, will accept dead or used car batteries. You can also drop them off at recycling or waste disposal facilities that specialize in hazardous materials. Take rechargeable batteries to a recycling facility. Rechargeable batteries contain nickel and cadmium, which can create an environmental hazard if the batteries are thrown away in a landfill or an incinerator. These batteries must be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection site, recycling facility, or an electronics retailer that recycles batteries. Many electronics retailers, like Radio Shack or Staples, will accept used rechargeable batteries for recycling. Check Earth 911.com for participating retailers in your area. Many electronics retailers, like Radio Shack or Staples, will accept used rechargeable batteries for recycling. Check Earth 911.com for participating retailers in your area. Donate or recycle lithium-ion batteries. These are the kinds of batteries that typically power portable electronics like your mobile phone, digital camera, tablet, or laptop. Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled at a recycling center or hazardous waste collection site, or donated to refurbishers and recyclers. In the USA, some retailers participate in a program called the Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge. The SSM program encourages companies to recycle and refurbish lithium batteries and other electronic components. Check the EPA website for a list of participating businesses. Here, Erno Free, HREF equals, HTTPS colon slash slash www.epa.gov slash recycle slash electronics dash donation dash and dash recycling, greater than HTTPS colon slash slash www.epa.gov slash recycle slash electronics dash donation dash and dash recycling check with electronics retailers in your area to find out if they will accept donations of lithium-ion batteries. In the USA, some retailers participate in a program called the Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge. The SSM program encourages companies to recycle and refurbish lithium batteries and other electronic components. Check the EPA website for a list of participating businesses. Here, HTTPS colon slash www.epa.gov slash recycle slash electronics dash donation dash and dash recycling check with electronics retailers in your area to find out if they will accept donations of lithium-ion batteries. Dispose of button batteries at a hazardous waste collection site or recycling facility. This kind of battery is used in hearing aids and watches, and contains mercuric oxide, lithium, silver oxide, or zinc air. They are considered hazardous materials and must be brought to a household hazardous waste collection site for proper handling. Button batteries contain extremely toxic materials, and should never be disposed of in the trash. You may be able to recycle or dispose of button batteries at some electronics retailers. Button batteries contain extremely toxic materials, and should never be disposed of in the trash, you may be able to recycle or dispose of button batteries at some electronics retailers