What types of batteries are accepted?
Recycling/Regular Trash:
- Alkaline (carbon-Zinc): These are common non-rechargeable batteries that most people use. Alkaline batteries are not regulated as hazardous waste and can be recycled or disposed of in regular trash.
For the battery types listed below contact Public Safety Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) through their online form:
- Lead Acid: These include automotive and smaller gel-cell batteries commonly used in emergency lighting systems. Lead-acid batteries contain regulated amounts of lead and must be recycled. When leaking, these batteries pose a significant contact hazard. Sulfuric acid is often the liquid constituent of these batteries, and is severely corrosive to skin. Only handle if properly trained and if proper personal protective equipment is available. Leaking batteries cannot be recycled, they must be managed as hazardous waste. Departments using these types of batteries should recycle them in accordance with state and local laws.
- Lithium: These batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are commonly used in computer clocks, cameras, watches, and other equipment. Used lithium batteries are not regulated hazardous waste and are typically recycled, however, if damaged, DPS/EHS manages them as a hazardous waste.
- Mercury: These are usually small and button shaped. Mercury batteries contain regulated amounts of mercury and should be handled as hazardous waste. These batteries are no longer available in the United States although they may still be found in older equipment.
- Nickel Cadmium: These are the most common rechargeable batteries and are commonly found in cellular phones, and other types of rechargeable equipment. NiCd batteries contain regulated amounts of cadmium and should be handled as hazardous wastes.
- Nickel Metal Hydride: These are rechargeable batteries that are commonly used in cordless hand tools and other types of equipment. These batteries are not regulated as hazardous waste, but Public Safety EHS manages them as such.
Where do I put batteries?
- Create a designated collection box in a common space in your department or office.
- Once the box is full, fill out the form on Public Safety’s website and they will arrange for a pickup several times per year.
- Store the box until the pickup day/time is determined.
Where can I go for more information?
Can I bring in batteries from home to recycle?
Our battery recycling program is intended for batteries from campus.
