Battery Dangers and Proper Disposal
Most of us are so familiar and comfortable with batteries and our mobile devices we do not realize they can be very dangerous -- to us, our loved ones, our neighbors and our communities.
1 - Can I put batteries in trash or recycling containers for collection?
No. Batteries or devices that contain batteries are not allowed in any Waste Connections container, truck or facility.
2 - Are batteries considered dangerous?
Yes. It is wise to assume all batteries can be dangerous.
Hazardous waste, like batteries, can be dangerous to human life, health or the environment when improperly used, stored, transported or disposed of.
Wastes are designated “hazardous” if they contain any of the following characteristics:
- Ignitable: Combustible under certain conditions
- Corrosive: Capable of corroding metal
- Toxic: Harmful or fatal when ingested or absorbed
- Reactive: Capable of creating explosions
3 – What items are causing the most fires in the waste and recycling industry?
Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries and the products that use these rechargeable batteries have been causing fires in trucks, at transfer stations, Material Recovery Facilities and landfills.
Lithium-ion batteries come in various shapes and sizes.
Lithium-Ion batteries are commonly found in items we use everyday. Please educate your family, friends and co-workers about the dangers of putting these items in the trash or recycling.
- Electronic cigarettes
- Laptops, tablets
- Mobile phones
- Mobile speakers, Alexa, Echo
- Power banks
- Cordless power tools
- Two-way radios
4 - Where can I take old batteries for proper disposal?
The resources below make it easy to enter your zip code and learn about battery drop-off locations near you. While each location may not accept all types of batteries, everyone in the US can take advantage of the mail in kits.
- Batteries Plus Stores– Drop-off locations
- Call2Recycle.org/locator– Drop-off locations
- Call2Recycle.org/store – To order mail in kits
- Local Household Hazardous Waste drop-off locations and events hosted by local government
5 - What is the best way to store batteries at home and the office?
- Out of the reach of children
- Away from heat sources
- Inside where the temperature is cool and the humidity is low
And, according to James Dickerson, Ph.D., Consumer Report’s chief scientific officer:
- Do not store in a metal container
- Do not throw batteries haphazardly into a place with other batteries or items
- The safest storage option is to keep batteries in their original packaging
- If original battery packaging is not available, store in a secure container that keeps batteries lined up side-by-side, so the contact points can’t touch each other or brush up against anything that’s metallic or conductive.
For more information about battery safety visit Call2Recycle.org/safety.
6 - Safety at Waste Connections Memphis
At Waste Connections Memphis, safety is our number one operating value. We strive to assure complete safety of our employees, our customers and the public in all of our operations. Protection from accident or injury is paramount to all we do.
Please do not be careless and place batteries or devices with batteries in your normal waste or recycling collection containers or take them to our landfill.
When hazardous items like batteries are placed in the general waste and recycling stream, they put everyone’s safety at risk.