Learn how to recycle standard household alkaline batteries as well as rechargeable and lithium batteries.

1. How to Recycle Batteries
Recycle Series: Part III
brought to you
byMicroempowering.org

2. Batteries
• Most batteries, with the
exception of
rechargeable and
lithium batteries, pose
minimal risk to the
environment if
discarded in the regular
trash.
• This is due to standard
household alkaline
batteries no longer
containing mercury.

3. Purchasing Rechargeable Batteries
• Before buying standard household
batteries consider purchasing
rechargeable batteries.
• Rechargeable batteries can be
used multiple times before
disposal.
• They save you money and reduce
the number of batteries that end
up in landfills.
• Note: Make sure that they are appropriate
for the equipment you are using.

4. Toxicity of Rechargeable Batteries
• While rechargeable
batteries are greener,
many toxic metals,
including cadmium,
cobalt, and lead, are used
to make them.
• These metals are harmful
to the environment and
people; therefore, it is
essential to dispose of
them properly.

5. Rechargeable Batteries are Recyclable!
• The metals used to make
rechargeable batteries can
be later be recycled to
make more batteries, which
reduces the need to mine
for new resources.
• Programs like Call2Recycle
are working to educate
people on how to recycle
rechargeable batteries.

6. Recycling Rechargeable Batteries
• Rechargeable batteries
can be brought back to
any store that sells
them.
• To prevent the risk of
fire, each battery
should be individually
bagged or packaged
(stores will often have
free bags available).

7. Charging Batteries
• Go green by purchasing
solar or environmentally
friendly chargers that
decrease your carbon
footprint while extending
the life of your
rechargeable battery.
• You can find such chargers
at retailers like Powerstick,
who offer energy efficient
merchandise.

8. For more information on topics like this visit
ourResource page at www.Microempowering.org