Batteries

Important Notice about Batteries

The following batteries are NOT ACCEPTED at SWALCO sponsored Residential Electronics Collection sites or the SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Collection program:
 
    Alkaline Batteries: AAA, AA, C, D, 9v & 6v
    Alkaline batteries are non-hazardous and may be disposed of in the regular trash.  More information and alternative options for safely disposing or recycling single use non-rechargeable alkaline batteries is provided at the bottom of this page. 
      
    Lead Acid Batteries: Auto, Motorcycle, Boat, Recreational Vehicle, Lawn Tractor, and Backup Sump Pump batteries are prohibited by State law from being disposed of in the trash and may be returned to place of purchase or to a metal scrap yard that accept them. 

The following rechargeable and long life non-rechargeable and lead acid batteries are ACCEPTED through the SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Collection program: 

    Rechargeable and Long Life Non-Rechargeable Batteries: Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh), Lithium, Zinc-Air, Silver-oxide and Small Sealed Lead Acid.

    ** Beginning on January 1, 2020 State law HB2296, became effective. This law prohibits residents and businesses from placing rechargeable or lead acid batteries into recycling carts.

A note about safe handling of Rechargeable and Long Life Non-Rechargeable batteries prior to delivery to a collection location:  To avoid the risk of cross-contact of battery terminals, which can result in sparking and possible fire, Please place a piece of household tape over each terminal or contact point of each battery or place each battery into a self-locking plastic baggie (one battery per bag).

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Alkaline Batteries

 

More on Alkaline Batteries 

 
  
Recycling processes for single use non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (i.e. AAA, AA, C, D 6v & 9v) are not yet widely available. The US EPA classifies single use non-rechargeable alkaline batteries as non-hazardous and advises that they may be safely disposed of with normal household waste. Never dispose of batteries in fire because they could explode. It is important not to dispose of large numbers of batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely drained of power. Grouping used batteries together can bring these partially charged batteries into contact with one another, creating sparking and possible fire. To avoid risk, simply place a piece of household tape over the contact points of each used battery before disposing of them in the normal household waste. 

There are a few fee based recycling options for single use non-rechargeable alkaline batteries available locally to Lake County residents as well as some fee based mail back options as listed below. 

The following is a list of service providers that accept single use non-rechargeable household alkaline batteries (fees may apply).

Batteries + Bulbs: www.batteriesplus.com/t/recycling/battery
Call to Recycle: www.call2recycle.org/locator
Waste Management Think Green from Home: www.thinkgreenfromhome.com
Battery Solutions: www.batteryrecycling.com
The Big Green Box: www.biggreenbox.com
Go Recycle: www.gorecycleusa.com
Terracycle: www.terracycle.com