Review this information about alkaline and rechargeable batteries and seriously consider using and recycling rechargeable batteries.
Single-use batteries
In Monroe County (NY), single use batteries, including alkaline or zinc batteries may be disposed of in the regular trash. Most manufacturers have removed the mercury from alkaline batteries and the other metal in the batteries (steel, zinc and manganese) don’t pose health or environmental risks. Additionally, the mix of metals are difficult to recover from batteries.
How to recycle single use batteries:
- The Monroe County ecopark does not recycle alkaline batteries, and their website no longer provides information about businesses or organizations that do recycle alkaline batteries. We believe this is because the options for recycling those batteries are dwindling.
- Currently, ColorBrightonGreen.org is accepting alkaline batteries. However, as of the summer of 2016, our options for finding places to recycle them are being reduced. We are still looking for options, and are meanwhile encouraging people to use rechargeable batteries.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries do contain materials such as mercury, cadmium, lead, and lithium that should and can more easily be recycled.
Of the different types of rechargeable batteries, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) is the best in terms of performance and long-term value. This page on REI.com provides a summary of information regarding performance and other characteristics for other types of rechargeable batteries.
How to recycle rechargeable batteries:
- At Monroe County ecopark
- At Brighton Farmers’ Market
At our ColorBrightonGreen.org table, we currently accept rechargeable and button batteries. We take them to the Monroe County EcoPark.
