Health Matters: How to Recycle Batteries

Submitted by the Needham Health Department

Ever wonder which batteries can safety be disposed of in the trash, and which ones need to be turned in to get recycled? This article will help you to understand the hazards associated with improper battery disposal and where you can safety dispose of your used batteries.

There are many sizes, shapes and varieties of household batteries in common use today. Alkaline batteries are popular because they have longer lives and are environmentally safer than other types. Rechargeables are less wasteful because they can be used over and over again, but they are also more toxic. Virtually all batteries contain at least some mercury or cadmium.

The main hazards associated with improper battery disposal can occur when batteries are burned in waste combustion facilities. When batteries are burned, that can cause them to release mercury or cadmium into the air and water, ultimately entering the food chain and posing health threats to people and the environment.

Mercury is toxic to the human nervous system. Chronic breathing of mercury vapors can cause a range of physical symptoms, including inability to coordinate body movement and impairment of hearing, speech and vision. Exposure to mercury in other forms can lead to skin rashes and kidney damage. Cadmium exposure has been linked with kidney disease. Under certain conditions, batteries burned in waste-to-energy plants can release mercury to the air and water. Not even the best pollution control devices can capture all of the mercury all of the time. Mercury in the water "bioaccumulates"—that is, it builds up in concentration over time—in the tissue of fish, making them less healthful to eat frequently. Pregnant women who eat contaminated fish can pass mercury to their unborn children.

Types of Batteries

• Alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9 volt): Since 1994, most types contain no added mercury, and only contain trace amounts that are not hazardous. These batteries are marked "no added mercury" or have a green tree logo.
• Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries (NiCads) exist in many sizes and shapes and are marked RECHARGEABLE. Some may be built into rechargeable appliances. NiCads contain cadmium, a metal that is toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested.
• Button batteries: Small, round, silver-colored, used in watches and hearing aids. Many button batteries contain mercury, a metal that is toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested.
• Lithium batteries (AA, C, 9 volt and button): Mainly used in computers and cameras. Lithium is reactive with water, and has caused serious fires.

The proper handling and storage of batteries is very important. They must be stored in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children and pets. Button batteries can beswallowed because they are small and slippery. When storing rechargeable batteries for collection, keep in a vented, non-metal container. Rechargeable batteries should be placed individually in plastic bags before being stored together with other rechargeables.

Disposal/Recycling Protocols

• Alkaline batteries: Domestically manufactured batteries made after 1994 no longer contain mercury and can be disposed of in the trash.
• Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries: Do not dispose of in the trash. Take to a retail collection location or a municipal recycling center that accepts rechargeable batteries. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) operates a collection program through selected retail stores and municipal recycling programs. There are currently over 400 collection sites in Massachusetts that are free to residents. Call 800-8-BATTERY for the nearest retail collection location.
• Button batteries: Do not dispose of in the trash. Many stores selling watches or hearing aids will accept spent button batteries. If your trash is handled by a waste-to-energy facility, find out if they have a mercury waste collection program; or hold for household hazardous waste collection. The Health Department collects button batteries to be recycled (temporarily located at the new Public Services Administration Building at 500 Dedham Ave.).
• Lithium batteries: Hold for household hazardous waste collection day.

For more information, you can contact the Health Department office at 781-455-7523.