How to Recycle Batteries in Greater Philadelphia

With Earth Day coming up in April, Patch has put together a series of resources to make recycling easier for you and your neighbors all over the Greater Philadelphia area. If we miss any item you want to know how to properly dispose of or recycle, please let us know in the comments.

For those looking to get rid of unwated or expired batteries, there are more options than you might think. 

Household Batteries (A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9v)

The good news with most household batteries is that you can throw them out, if you so choose. The issues with throwing these kinds of batteries out in years past was due to their mercury content. However, since mercury in most household batteries has been phased out thanks to the Battery Managment Act of 1996, they are now safe for regular disposal.

(Be aware, this is just for A, AA, AAA, C, D, and 9v batteries. All other types need to be recycled.)

Which isn't to say you shouldn't recycle them. Here are some places where you can safely get rid of them.

Whole Foods Markets offer battery drop-off points in their stores for recycling.

• Whole Foods in Wynnewood
• Whole Foods in Devon
• Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting
• Whole Foods in Glen Mills

Rechargeable Batteries

Best Buy: Area Best Buys will accept two electronic items a day, including rechargeable batteries. Check the following locations for recycling:

• Plymouth Meeting Best Buy
• King of Prussia Best Buy
• Springfield Best Buy
  

Office Depot: Office Depot accepts rechargeable batteries. Customers must purchase special recycling boxes from the store (between $5 and $15, depending on size) to dispose of items.

• Plymouth Meeting Office Depot
• Springfield Office Depot
• West Norriton Office Depot

Button Cell Batteries

• Montgomery County holds a number of recycling events that accept all battery types, which fall under their "household waste" distinction. Check their info on hazardous household waste here.

• Delaware County holds several electronic recycling events that accept all battery types. Check the county's website for the dates.
  
• Chester County holds a number of recycing events that take batteries. See the county schedule here.
  
  
• Philadelphia County holds several events throughout the year for collecting household hazardous waste, including all battery types. Check the schedule here. Residents can also drop their computers off at the Northwest Philadelphia sanitation station on Domino Lane.