Batteries, once used simply for smoke detectors and TV remotes, are now used everywhere in our lives. What is the proper way to dispose of all of these batteries?  This is dependent upon the type of battery. Here is a list of different types of batteries and how to dispose of them in Montgomery County.

Alkaline batteries:

Where can I find them in my home?

This type of battery includes common disposable, such as AA through AAAA, C, and D batteries, 9-volt batteries, and button batteries with LR- at the beginning of the code printed on the face of the battery.

How do I dispose of these batteries?

Alkaline batteries are safe to dispose of with household trash. There are companies that will send you a bucket to fill with alkaline batteries (as well as other types of batteries) that you can send back to be recycled for a fixed rate, such as the iRecycle kit found at www.batterysolutions.com

Nickel-metal-hydride batteries:

Where can I find them in my home?

These batteries are most commonly found in the rechargeable versions of alkaline batteries.

How do I dispose of these batteries?

Nickel-metal-hydride batteries can be recycled at household hazardous waste collection events. A schedule of household hazardous waste collection events can be found at www.montcopa.org/706/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Collection-Pro

Lithium-ion batteries:

Where can I find them in my home?

This type of battery is used in many different devices in the home. They are used in cell phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, portable device chargers (also known as battery banks), wireless headphones, cordless vacuums, electric lawnmowers, and many other devices. Lithium-ion is also used in button batteries with CR- at the beginning of the code printed on the face of the battery.

How do I dispose of these batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled at household hazardous waste collection events. A schedule of household hazardous waste collection events can be found at www.montcopa.org/706/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Collection-Pro

Lead-Acid batteries:

Where can I find them in my home?

Lead-acid batteries are large batteries typically used in cars, boats, wheelchairs, snow mobiles, motorcycles, and golf carts.

How do I dispose of these batteries?

Lead-acid batteries can be recycled at household hazardous waste collection events. A schedule of household hazardous waste collection events can be found at www.montcopa.org/706/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Collection-Pro