Climate Tip | Proper Battery Disposal
March 18, 2021
You may have been doing some spring cleaning this month and wondering what to do with your old batteries. Rechargeable batteries, such as those found in your old cell phone, digital camera, or laptop, can be recycled. The NYS Rechargeable Battery Law requires stores that sell them to take them back for proper management and recycling.
For household single-use batteries such as Alkaline and carbon zinc batteries, including AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V, check with your local town recycling and/or transfers station. Some places like the Town of Shelter Island Recycling Center have a designated drop off area for household batteries. If you can't find a place to recycle them, those batteries can be disposed of safely with your regular household garbage according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Although the charge in the batteries are too low to power a device, there are steps you can take dispose of them safely. Stick a piece of tape over the contacts or place the batteries in the original packaging. This will lower the risk of fires.
When purchasing new batteries and electronics consider those with rechargeable options. Rechargeable batteries will last longer than single-use ones and reduce waste.