Rechargeable battery recycling programs ensure safe disposal and the recovery of precious, limited-supply heavy metals like cobalt, which is reused to make new batteries and electronics.Ĭommonly identified as: Lithium Ion, Li-Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride, Ni-MH, Nickel Cadmium, NiCd, Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA/Pb)ĭisposal: All rechargeable batteries, including auto batteries and devices with built-in rechargeable batteries, can be dropped off at the City of Chicago’s Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF) for recycling. They can also combust if crushed, dropped, or overheated. Unlike single-use batteries, rechargeable batteries can spark even after they’re drained of power so they pose a real hazard. Rechargeable batteries are responsible for starting fires in collection trucks, recycling facilities, and landfills. One tradeoff for the extra power and convenience of rechargeable batteries is that they can explode or spark fires if not disposed of properly. Though they cost 2 - 3 times more initially, they can save a good deal of money and waste in the long run. If you haven’t considered replacing your single-use batteries with rechargeable ones, now’s a good time to give it a go. Some types of rechargeable batteries can be recharged up to 1000 times. Rechargeable batteries are generally smaller than single-use ones and produce less waste because they can be used again and again. Improvements in battery manufacturing have made rechargeable less expensive, more powerful and dependable than they were a decade ago. Rechargeable batteries are also sold in standard sizes as a less wasteful replacement to single-use batteries. Rechargeable batteries come in all shapes and sizes and can be designed to be removable or built-in. Check the chart below for disposal options. Because they can hold a charge longer than alkaline batteries and pack a lot of power into a small size, single-use lithium are a favorite for cameras and game controllers too.Ĭommonly identified as : lithium, Li, primary lithium, lithium metalĭisposal: Lithium batteries cannot be disposed of in City recycling or garbage carts because they can combust just like rechargeable batteries can. More recently, lithium batteries have been showing up in standard size A-AAA, C, D, and 9V sizes as well. If you know of any free, certified recycling programs in Chicago, please let us know at or on social media at Single-UseĬoin batteries for watches are often lithium. Battery Solutions and Big Green Box offer such programs. Recycling of alkaline batteries is possible through mail-in recycling programs, for a fee. No batteries of any kind should be placed in City recycling carts. The Illinois EPA and all states except California agree that alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of in the trash.Ĭommonly identified as : alkaline, zero mercury, or 0%Hgĭisposal: Alkaline batteries are the only batteries that can safely be placed in the trash cart. Single-Use BatteriesĪlkaline batteries, originally developed in the ’60s, no longer contain the high levels of mercury they once did. Rechargeable batteries are becoming much more common as cellphones, laptops, tablets, and cordless tools become more popular.ĭisposal options vary by battery type, so let's break them down. There are two main categories of batteries: single-use batteries which are batteries that can only hold one charge before they are useless, and rechargeable batteries which can be charged again and again. Here's all you need to know about recycling batteries and cordless gadgets. If you're anything like me, you've probably got a drawer harboring dozens of worn-out batteries (and maybe an electric toothbrush) that you don't know what to do with.
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