Can I Throw Out Batteries?
Chances are, you have a few devices in your home that require some type of standard battery. Remote controls, alarm clocks, and flashlights might use AA or AAA while your digital camera and laptop will use different types entirely. So what do you do when a battery runs dead? If you’ aren’t sure how to dispose of your batteries properly, check out some advice from the experts at All Day Junk Removal!
Getting Rid of Single-Use Batteries
Single-use batteries are those found in a variety of household electronics. They’re the standard type of battery that has been around for a long time. AA, AAA, 9V, and D-cell are among the most popular.
Before 1996, these batteries had to be disposed of by special means. At the time, these batteries contained mercury and were considered to be hazardous. Nowadays, however, these batteries are made of different metals that don’t pose a danger. This means that single-use batteries can be disposed of with your regular trash. The only exception is for watch batteries – these single-use batteries need to be disposed of with your rechargeable batteries.
If you’d like to go a more environmentally friendly route, you can recycle these batteries instead of tossing them in the bin. Battery recycling isn’t extremely common yet, so you’ll have to do some research into your local community and recycling centers.
Getting Rid of Rechargeable Batteries
There are several different types of rechargeable batteries; most are found in mobile phones, cameras, laptops, and other electronics throughout the house. The most common types of rechargeable battery are:
- Lithium-ion. These are generally found in cellphones and laptops.
- Nickel metal hydride/nickel-cadmium. These batteries are usually used for cordless phones, digital cameras, and cordless power tools.
- Small sealed lead-acid batteries. These are more commonly used for health or emergency devices like mobility scooters and security systems.
Rechargeable batteries should never be thrown away with your household trash, and in some cases it is illegal to do so. Instead, you should always recycle this type of battery. Many home improvement stores or office supply chains have drop boxes, especially for battery recycling.
Getting Rid of Car Batteries
Car batteries are much more complicated, and potentially more dangerous, than household batteries, so they need to be disposed of with care. If you have your battery replaced by a garage or body shop, they are responsible for making sure the battery is disposed of properly. If you are replacing the car battery yourself, you will need to bring the old battery for recycling. Fortunately, many auto parts stores around the country will accept old car batteries for recycling free of charge, so you won’t have to put in much work to dispose of them for recycling.
Professional Junk Removal
Getting rid of batteries the right way is not always an easy task, especially if it means driving all over town making several stops to landfills and recycling plants. To make things easier on yourself, contact a local junk removal company for advice or assistance. All Day Junk Removal provides fast and reliable junk removal for homes and businesses across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. For a quote on your junk removal, get in touch with us today! 978-682-2040
