How to Recycle Unusual Items

Not all batteries are created equal, but all of them contain harmful, caustic acid. Be aware of your state laws regarding battery disposal if you live in the US. In some states it is illegal to throw them in the trash. When you buy a battery, look for the RBRC battery recycling seal on the package. If this seal is present, then you may take that battery back to the place you bought it for recycling. You may also contact RBRC for more information at 1-800-8BATTERY or www.rbrc.org. Some stores, such as Wal-Mart will even give you $5.00 for bringing back certain batteries, like a car battery.

Be aware that you need to CHECK WHAT TYPE of battery you are trying to get rid of. Sounds simple, but not all laptops, cell phones, etc have the same type of battery. It differs depending on the manufacturer. Here are some of the most common types of batteries and how to recycle them:

Dry Cells or Alkaline & Carbon-Zinc Batteries:

These are batteries used in common household items like flashlights and alarm clocks. Some of them are rechargeable, but only for 25 charges or so. In Canada if you go to your recycle center, you can usually find a place to dump these guys. In the US, you're going to be a bit more challenged. Most waste disposal authorities recommend just tossing this one in the backyard trashcan unless your garbage is incinerated or local bylaws say that you cannot. These are the ONLY batteries you can toss into the trash and ONLY in certain states - others you can get fined for it. Some communities will collect them curbside during certain times of the year (usually spring and fall). So check and see if there is a recycling program for these types of batteries in your community, otherwise, you'll just have to wait and know that they are going to be put in a hazardous waste landfill until other options are created.

Nickel Cadmiums These batteries are rechargeable and are used most often in cellular phones, laptops, cordless phones, video cameras, hand held vacuums, and other rechargeable household items. They recharge up to 700 times, are resistant to extreme temperature and are extremely efficient. But they also contain a harmful heavy metal, cadmium. This can leach into the soil and cause serious damage. In many places you are not allowed simply to toss these batteries into the trash.

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