Information on Recycling 
Alkaline Batteries 
(AAA, AA, C, D, and 9 Volt)

Alkaline batteries standard household batteries.  They are used in products from walkmans and clocks, to smoke detectors and remote controls. Since 1994, most types contain no added mercury or only contain trace amounts. These batteries are marked "no added mercury" or have a green tree logo.¹

¹Source:  Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Massachusetts Laws and Regulations:

There are no laws or regulations currently existing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that specifically address the recycling of alkaline batteries.

The 2000 Massachusetts Solid Waste Master Plan developed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP), calls for a reduction of 60% in municipal solid waste, which includes the promotion of “material exchanges and reuse networks targeting building materials, industrial waste, household materials and electronic equipment” and conducting “source reduction education programs that focus on consumer purchasing practices, backyard composting, and reuse opportunities” (pp. 2-5, 2-6, available at www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/dswm/dswmpubs.htm#swmp).  Diverting alkaline batteries from the waste stream is an effective way to work towards the goal of 60% reduction.

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Tips on Waste Reduction/Recycling for Alaline Batteries¹:

Recycle Your Batteries – It is strongly recommended that you recycle alkaline batteries even though newer ones can be disposed of in the trash.  Although newer alkaline batteries contain  less mercury than their predecessors, they are still made of metals and other toxins which contaminate the air and soil. Look in the Recycling Services Directory for commercial haulers.  Also, there are currently many collection sites in Massachusetts that are free to residents. Call 800-8-BATTERY for the nearest retail collection location.

Buy Products not Powered by Batteries  - Items such as electric clocks, power tools, and solar-powered calculators are cleaner alternatives to their battery-operated counterparts. Fuel cell-powered electronic equipment is an emerging industry that is supplementing/replacing standard batteries and can be used on a variety of machinery.  In the future these forms of “greener energy” may solve some of our waste management problems.

Use Rechargeable Batteries in Place of Disposable Batteries – Rechargeable batteries can be charged up to 25 to 40 single-use alkaline batteries over its lifetime.¹ Although the initial purchase is more expensive (you have to buy a charger) there is long-term savings as well a reduction of waste. Rechargeable batteries are particularly useful for items that frequently consume batteries such as portable CD players as well as household products like smoke detectors and clocks.

NOTE: Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) rechargeable batteries are hazardous waste must be recycled.  NiCads are very toxic and are only a good alternative if properly disposed.

Store Your Batteries Properly – Storing your batteries in a cool, dry place will extend their life. Do not store batteries in the refrigerator as they could potentially contaminate food.

¹ Source: INFORM, Inc, "Batteries," www.informinc.org/cwp2fsbattery.htm - bwps

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Recycling Services for Lead-Acid/Automotive Batteries:

The Recycling Services Directory and Market Guide for Massachusetts:
This Guide lists 405 vendors who accept, collect, or purchase recyclable materials from Massachusetts communities and businesses.  Updated May, 2001.

View the online Recycling Services Directory's listing for "Alkaline Batteries":
Tires are listed under the “Batteries” section*
http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/rsd/batteries.htm

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Associated Links:

Battery Council International (BCI)
www.batterycouncil.org
BCI actively promotes the recycling of spent lead-acid batteries and the use of recycled materials in the production of new batteries. The organization collects statistical data to provide the annual recycling rate of lead-acid batteries. BCI also develops battery recycling legislation at both the state and federal levels in the U.S., as a way to efficiently recover valuable resources and keep recyclable materials out of the waste stream.

Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA)
www.prba.org
Established in 1991 by five major battery manufactures, PRBA is a nonprofit trade association. The mission of the PRBA is to provide leadership in obtaining consistent domestic and international solutions to environmental and other selected issues affecting the use, recycling and disposal of small sealed rechargeable batteries.

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