What to do with expired batteries is one of the most considerable uncertainties that can arise when we run out of batteries. It doesn’t matter if they are from a TV remote control, battery car, or cell phone; the question is always there.
A large percentage of the American population does not know how to recycle batteries and ends up throwing them in the trash, which is extremely dangerous and harmful to the environment and, therefore, to people. That is why, in this article, we will give you tips on how to dispose of old batteries and the places where you can go.
How do you dispose of batteries?
To dispose of your rechargeable, single-use, or car batteries, the best thing to do is to throw them away in a recycling garbage can of this type. Indeed, you will find a trash can that is mainly for these types of recyclable items.
If you are still looking for a recycling bin near your address, you can contact different sites that take batteries and then break them down and sort them. County departments run several programs to encourage their citizens to recycle.
Does Walgreens recycle batteries?
If you were wondering if you can recycle batteries at Walgreens, the answer is yes. You can take your batteries to your nearest Walgreens location. You don’t need to make an appointment; just come in with your disposable batteries, and they will take them in at no charge.
At Walgreens, you will find a container where all single-use household, rechargeable, and automotive batteries are recycled. In addition, you can stop by one of their stores at any time of the day, as they are available 24/7.
What can I recycle at Walgreens?
Walgreens is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the country and no wonder. At Walgreens, you can purchase prescription drugs, health products, personal care, and access health information and vaccinations. They also offer photography and decorating services.
By having these services available at Walgreens, you can recycle different types of batteries and other products, such as:
- Batteries Explained.
- Cell Phones/Smart Phones.
- Medications.
- Non-Rechargeable Batteries.
- Printer Cartridges.
- Rechargeable Batteries.
Where can I recycle batteries?
As mentioned above, batteries should not be disposed of in dry recycling garbage cans, household waste, or wet recycling garbage cans. You must collect all your used batteries that are no longer useful and take them to the unique places where they receive any batteries. Now, how do you know where to take the waste? We recommend contacting your county’s collection agency and asking about upcoming events and recycling programs.
On the other hand, you can find all recyclable battery container locations at Earth911. There, you will locate the branch according to the type of batteries you have, as shown in the image below.
Another option to recycle batteries is to find recycling programs in different organizations, such as Call2Recycle, where they receive these materials by mail. You can also go to a Walmart store.
Can single-use batteries be recycled?
Single-use batteries can be recycled since they contain hazardous materials like graphite, lithium, cobalt, etc. There is often a small fee to take these batteries for recycling. You can see many of them in electronic devices such as cell phones, remote controls, cameras, watches, or smoke detectors.
Because of their composition, these “critical materials” should be separated from household waste and taken to a local recycling container. If thrown in a garbage can with paper, glass, or plastic waste, batteries risk being damaged and becoming non-recyclable. In fact, in the worst cases, it could cause a fire.
Can rechargeable batteries be recycled?
Suppose you have rechargeable batteries that are no longer useful to you, either because they have run out or reached the end of their useful life. In that case, you can recycle these batteries without paying for them.
Rechargeable products generally consist of lithium-ion batteries. Remember to take your rechargeable batteries to particular electronics recycling garbage cans that You can find in stores that sell these types of devices.
FAQs
Where do I take vehicle waste?
Suppose you have electric cars, vehicle batteries, or any energy storage. In that case, you should go to a car dealer or the company that installed the battery.
Where can I find lithium-ion batteries?
Batteries made from li-ion are used in electronic devices, headphones, toys, household appliances, and most systems that store electrical energy, like your cell phone.