BATTERY RECYCLING INFORMATION

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used in many products such as electronics, toys, wireless headphones, handheld power tools, small and large appliances, electric vehicles - include E-bikes, and electrical energy storage systems.  There are two types of Li-ion batteries: single-use, non-rechargeable and rechargeable lithium-polymer cells (Li-ion, Li-ion cells).  Both types of Li-ion batteries; rechargeable and single-use non-rechargeable should NOT go in household garbage or in household recycling bins. 

Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire when they undergo a process called thermal runaway. This causes the battery's temperature and pressure to rapidly increase, releasing flammable gases that can ignite and create a fire.  These batteries, regardless of size, contain a great deal of energy, and if they catch fire, they burn until all of that stored energy is released.  If there is a sudden release of huge amounts of energy can lead to explosions that threaten lives and property.


More information is available on the EPA website  and the EPA Fact Sheet EPA Fact Sheet 


BATTERY DISPOSAL

 

SINGLE-use Alkaline
 Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries can be discarded with regular trash. These common, everyday batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-Volt) are found in many household items. They no longer contain mercury or other harmful heavy metals, so are no longer considered hazardous.

Lithium-ion 

Cannot be disposed of with your regular trash and can not be put with your household recycling! Please visit the websites below for further instruction.

 

https://www.batteryrecyclersofamerica.com/


Battery and Cellphone Recycling Locations 

 

Lead Acid

All Columbia County waste stations accept vehicle batteries for recycling. Per NYSDEC regulations the following requirements are for retailers and distributors.

 

Requirements for retailers and distributors:

●               Accept, free of charge, up to two used batteries per month from any individual, regardless of whether or not the individual purchases a new lead-acid battery.

●               Charge a $5 "NYS Return Incentive Payment" to a consumer purchasing a new lead-acid battery if the consumer does not return a used lead-acid battery at the time of such purchase. Retailers must refund the $5 return incentive payment to the consumer when they return a lead-acid battery within 30 days of the purchase of a new lead-acid battery. Retailers may legally keep unredeemed payments.

Rechargeable

Consumers can look for RBRC battery collection boxes in Lowe’s stores across the U.S. Lowe’s will recycle all used portable rechargeable batteries commonly found in cordless electronics products such as: cordless power tools, cordless and cellular phones, two-way radios, laptop computers, electric toothbrushes, camcorders and handheld mini vacuums among many others.

These batteries are not to be discarded in your regular trash!