HAZARDOUS WASTE

Waste Minimization Program:  Hazardous Battery Waste

Waste batteries may be considered hazardous waste because of their corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. According to battery-producing industry sources, nickel-cadmium batteries typically exhibit hazardous waste characteristics, whereas low-mercury alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries do not. Alkaline batteries with higher concentrations of mercury and larger mercury batteries would be likely to test as hazardous, and some lithium batteries might be considered reactive. Lead acid batteries are considered corrosive, as well as toxic. Button batteries may or may not test as hazardous, depending on their type and size.

Purchase the Ray-O-Vac Renewal1 reusable battery system to recharge AA, AAA, C and D batteries.

Replace regular alkaline and NiCad batteries with Ray-O-Vac rechargeable alkaline batteries.

Battery waste reduction

Some steps to minimize battery waste:

Purchase only low mercury ("green") batteries.
Substitute rechargeable alkaline batteries for nickel-cadmium.
Collect batteries for Hazardous Waste pick-up according to the recommendations in the table below.

Using the table below, try to identify the type of battery you wish to dispose. If you find that it should be disposed as a hazardous waste, request a pick-up of the batteries. If not, you may dispose it in the trash.

Battery type

Appearance

Hazardous waste?

Alkaline

Alkaline, carbon-zinc, and nickel-cadmium batteries are similar in size and shape, although nickel-cadmium mercury batteries are labeled as such.

Not in low- mercury or "green"

Carbon Zinc

As above

No

Mercuric-oxide button

Mercuric-oxide button batteries are easy to distinguish from non-button types of batteries but not from other buttons.

Yes

Silver-oxide button

Silver-oxide button batteries are difficult to distinguish from mercuric-oxide buttons.

Yes

Zinc-air

Zinc-air batteries are easily identifiable by the holes in the bottom

No

Lithium

Most large lithium batteries are labeled with the word "lithium" or the initials "LI". Lithium button batteries are smaller and lighter than most types of button batteries and are also unique because they come with only a 3-volt charge.

Yes

Secondary Cells (Rechargeable) Alkaline

Alkaline, carbon-zinc and nickel-cadmium batteries are similar in size and shape, although nickel-cadmium batteries are labeled as such.

No

Nickel-cadmium

Labeled as such

Yes

Small sealed lead-acid flat plates

Most are enclosed in battery packs and are not easily distinguishable.

Yes