Rechargeable batteries can be recycled for free at various locations in the U.S., including battery retailers, pharmacies, big box stores, hardware stores, and organic grocers. CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens offer this service at no cost. For small primary batteries, local battery recycling centers are recommended. For rechargeable batteries like used cell phones and remote controls, local drop-off locations and recycling centers are excellent options.
Rite Aid has developed an expanded link on their website to provide consumers with information on proper disposal of unused or expired medications. Recycling batteries ensures that toxic materials are handled with care, reduces the need for mining, and is often required by law. Consumer Reports provides information on recycling batteries, which includes alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries, 9-volt batteries, coin batteries, and lead-acid batteries. Standard alkaline batteries such as AAA, AA, 9-Volt, D, and C can be recycled at Batteries+ Bulbs stores, which usually charge a small fee.
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) partners with Rite Aid to provide convenient collection points throughout California for rechargeable batteries. The program accepts household batteries and cell phones for recycling, and materials accepted include rechargeable batteries, non-rechargeable batteries, cell phones/smart phones, and batteries.
Recycling drivers will collect batteries separately, but if a driver is not collecting your batteries, contact RecycleSmart at 925-906-1801. Batteries can be recycled by properly sorting them and taking them to the designated location.
In summary, recycling rechargeable batteries is a convenient and cost-effective solution for consumers in the U.S. and Canada. The RBRC/Rite Aid program offers convenient collection points for household batteries and cell phones, and recycling drivers will collect batteries separately.
📹 HUGE AirTag Battery Problem! Replacements Won’t Work! Apple’s AirTag Design Flaw, Explained
Apple’s AirTags have a major design flaw. We purchased Duracell CR2032 batteries to record a video on how to replace an …
Can lithium batteries really be recycled?
Lithium-ion batteries are a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to disposal. They are typically collected by retailers, e-waste collectors, or businesses specializing in collecting used electronics. If a vehicle’s battery needs replacement, it may end up at a dealership or mechanic shop, or at an automobile disassembler. The batteries need to be identified and sorted for proper recycling, which may change hands several times before arriving at a processing facility.
Larger battery packs, like those from electric vehicles, can be partially disassembled into cells or modules for easier transportation, storage, and processing. Some battery packs or modules may also be evaluated for repair or reuse, either being put back into a device similar to their original one or repurposed in a different product or application. For example, some companies are experimenting with repurposing used electric vehicle batteries to store excess electricity generated by solar panels. Repaired battery packs may have one or more “bad” modules replaced before being put back into use in the original or other appropriate applications.
Can I put AAA batteries in the bin?
Battery overcharging, short-circuiting, submerging in water, or damage pose fire risks. Proper disposal is crucial, as batteries contain hazardous substances. Disposing of used batteries is simple, such as bagging them up for shopping trips. Retailers and supermarkets selling batteries should recycle them for safety. Avoid disposing of batteries in household bins, as this can also cause fires.
Are batteries fully recycled?
Battery recycling is a recycling activity aimed at reducing the number of batteries being disposed of as municipal solid waste. However, some batteries, such as lead-acid automotive batteries and button cells, are more readily recycled due to their heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Disposing of batteries like regular household waste raises concerns over soil contamination and water pollution. Battery recycling can reduce pollutants released through landfill and incineration, but it can also facilitate the release of harmful materials from batteries to the environment and workers recycling them.
Rechargeable nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium-ion, and nickel-zinc batteries can also be recycled. Disposable alkaline batteries make up the majority of consumer battery use, but there is currently no cost-neutral recycling option. Consumer disposal guidelines vary by region, and an evaluation of consumer alkaline battery recycling in Europe showed environmental benefits but significant expense over disposal. Zinc-carbon and zinc-air batteries are recycled in the same process.
Lead-acid batteries, including car, golf cart, UPS, industrial fork-lift, motorcycle, and commercial batteries, can be recycled by grinding them, neutralizing the acid, and separating the polymers from the lead. The recovered materials are used in various applications, including new batteries.
Do AA batteries go in the recycle bin?
Alkaline and zinc carbon batteries, which have historically contained heavy metals like silver, cadmium, and mercury, are now mostly made of lithium metal and are commonly used in products like watches, hearing aids, car keyless entry remotes, medical devices, and calculators. Reclamation companies recycle these batteries, and it is recommended to send them to battery recyclers or consult local or state solid waste authorities for management options. Button-cell or coin batteries can pose a swallowing hazard, so they should be stored out of reach of young children.
Do batteries belong in a recycling bin?
It is imperative that batteries be separated and relocated for the purposes of ensuring their safe handling. This is due to the fact that they are susceptible to being crushed in bins, which could potentially result in fires at recycling, composting, and landfill sites.
What batteries Cannot be recycled?
Lithium-ion batteries and the devices in which they are used should not be disposed of in household garbage or recycling bins. Rather, they should be taken to separate hazardous waste collection points and taped to prevent fires.
Can corroded AA batteries be recycled?
Corroded, leaky batteries can be recycled, but require special attention and packaging. The U. S. Department of Transportation requires special handling and packaging for these batteries. Raw Materials Co. can provide advice on handling. Better Battery Company offers shipping services for defective batteries identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and offers free replacement. To clean battery corrosion in toys and remotes, follow these steps:
- Remove the battery from the device.
- Remove the battery cover.
- Clean the battery with a clean cloth.
Why shouldn’t you throw away batteries?
The use of battery materials has the potential to result in environmental contamination, the emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere, and, in the event of improper disposal, an explosion. The University of Texas at Dallas accepts and recycles all types, sizes, and shapes of batteries, including both disposable and rechargeable varieties. Accepted battery types include lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, alkaline, primary lithium, mercury, silver oxide, and zinc air (button).
Are batteries 100% recycled?
The Lead Battery Industry (BCI) is committed to a circular economy, recycling lead batteries, which are designed to be 100% recyclable. The three main components of a lead battery (lead, plastic, and acid) are 100 recyclable, creating the raw materials needed for new batteries. The typical new lead battery is made of at least 80 recycled materials. U. S. lead battery manufacturers source approximately 83 of the needed lead from North American recycling facilities.
The industry has an established domestic infrastructure, including over 300, 000 retail distribution and collection sites for used lead batteries. BCI aims to develop robust recycling systems that support a circular economy and responsible waste management. It also engages in research and development to make batteries more recyclable and sustainable.
Can a battery be recycled?
Battery recycling is a recycling activity aimed at reducing the number of batteries being disposed of as municipal solid waste. However, some batteries, such as lead-acid automotive batteries and button cells, are more readily recycled due to their heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Disposing of batteries like regular household waste raises concerns over soil contamination and water pollution. Battery recycling can reduce pollutants released through landfill and incineration, but it can also facilitate the release of harmful materials from batteries to the environment and workers recycling them.
Rechargeable nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium-ion, and nickel-zinc batteries can also be recycled. Disposable alkaline batteries make up the majority of consumer battery use, but there is currently no cost-neutral recycling option. Consumer disposal guidelines vary by region, and an evaluation of consumer alkaline battery recycling in Europe showed environmental benefits but significant expense over disposal. Zinc-carbon and zinc-air batteries are recycled in the same process.
Lead-acid batteries, including car, golf cart, UPS, industrial fork-lift, motorcycle, and commercial batteries, can be recycled by grinding them, neutralizing the acid, and separating the polymers from the lead. The recovered materials are used in various applications, including new batteries.
Can I put small batteries in recycle bin?
In the event that a battery or power pack is not removable, it should be placed in an electrical recycling facility, rather than in a general waste or recycling bin. For further information on the disposal of hazardous waste and the recycling of batteries, please refer to the nidirect website.
📹 How to Safely Dispose of Unused or Expired Medicine
Learn how to properly get rid of old, expired, unwanted, or unused medicines. This video describes health risks—including …
I thought I was going nuts so I removed the tag from my phone and found your article. When I switched to a Panasonic battery I found I was unable to re-pair the tag to my phone but the answer was to do the resetting of the tag, maybe you can do a article on that. 🙂 For anyone reading this comment. Once you have acquired a good non-coated small o-ring battery you simply remove the cover and insert and remove the battery 5 X in a row and on the 5th time the chirp sound is different indicating the full reset was successful. Then you can resynch the tag with your device. Good Luck and Thank you.
All Apple has to do is supply a compatible battery list and problem worked-around. The real challenge is preventing the consumer from having a bad experience. That’s where Apple has the opportunity to do magic. I’d love a feature where Apple anticipates the tag’s battery is low and provides compatible battery info in a notification or gives you the option to have a supplier ship you batteries as needed.
I just discovered this problem. I had a pack with a couple of Duracell batteries from a few months ago and tried them both in my Airtag, but no luck. Thinking the batteries were probably dead, I went and bought a new 4-pack only to discover they didn’t work either 😞. Unfortunately I bought Duracell again (they’re supposed to be the best right?). I checked the voltage with a multimeter and could see they were outputting the correct value which lead me to Google to see if there was any information about this issue and that lead me to this article. I wish I’d searched it sooner. Surely the problem is with the Duracell batteries rather than the AirTags? I’m surprised that Apply hasn’t notified users of this problem, it’s not like they don’t know I’ve purchased a few AirTags.
I purchased an airtag to follow my pet. I have had the airtag for a month or so and have only just received the container. But I couldnt get a connection. I opened up the airtag and I had the panasonic battery. I thought it a bit off that it had run out so soon but I went and got a replacement – ironically enough it was a Duracell – and that did not work either. Then I found your website and found what you said about the Duracell. Then i went back and tried again with the Panasonic and eventually got it to make a noise when inserting it. To be honest i am dubious as to whether it will continue to work.
Funny, I just had the same issue and jump on YouTube to see what I did wrong or if other people had the same problem. Bingo you article popped up and you explained the problem. I brought 1 battery from CVS. I was about to take it back and tell them this battery was bad. Guess that’s not the case. I put the old one back and it chirp like it was suppose to. I am going to try what someone on the comments mentioned and use a Q-top with the rubbing alcohol.
I know a lot of people have said this already but to clean off the bitter coating, which is the thing screwing up the connection between these batteries and your airtag (I actually had a similar issue with a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard, where my duracells were not working) is to just use some rubbing alcohol, and to scrub the battery clean with either a q tip or an old cloth, just clean it 2 or 3 times and it should work perfectly fine after, please do not use a knife to get it off, it is not a good idea at all
Found a solution (don’t know if anyone has posted it in another comment): use a nail file or fine sandpaper, and file/sand the battery on the bottom (negative) area that makes contact with the bottom pin inside the AirTag. If you angle the battery just right to the light, you will see an outer ring that I presume is the bitter coating. You can clear just the section that the pins contact, or if you want to ensure the battery will work no matter how it is inserted (anglewise around the Z axis) you can clear the whole coating ring.
Hey guys so I had this exact problem but quickly found a solution. Take the battery and use a very slightly damp towel or rag and rub the battery. This gets rid of coating on the battery and it should work after doing this. If it still doesn’t work maybe put a bit more water on the rag/towel and do it again. I only did about 10-15 seconds and it worked just fine.
The issue is with the bitter coating which is a non conductor added around the edge on the negative side of the battery. The probes on the air tag are also on the edge so no contact is being made. I think Apple should modify the design given the popularity of Duracell batteries and their attempt to make it child safe. Move the probes couple of mm inside ( easier said than done I guess 😀) Solution-Rub tiny amount of goof off or lightly scrape with a wood or knife to take out the bitter coating, good luck!
Thank you. As a 70 yr old with 82 yr old husband who misplaced his wallet this am, I relied on th air tag to locate it, but was notified the battery was low. Immediately tried to replace batteries on 4 AirTags Thai I purchased at the same time. Not easy to replace if you have arthritis, so having to do this multiple times was a pain. Also, for some reason the AirTags would not immediately reconnect using my iPhone. I had to use shut down everything, turn Bluetooth off and on and then was finally successful reconnecting/pairing using my iPad instead of my iPhone. These devices are important for Seniors. Apple needs to make this process easier.
Today I bought a 12 pack of 2032s from Sams Club. Prior to installing them; I got my multimeter and checked all the batteries I was going to install. I checked them in several different places same results no voltage drop offs. Then I checked the ones I took out they were low voltage as my I-Phone indicated. The only thing I didn’t do is lick the battery. I don’t know what to say all mine function and I always use Duracell.
This is certainly good information to know, but I hardly think this can be describe as a “huge” problem or design flaw. Panasonic ones obviously work. You put out this article without testing any other brands of batteries? I just tested an Energizer brand 2032, and it works fine. I suspect most others will also work fine. This is really a design flaw in the Duracell batteries. I guess maybe you’re going for the views by describing this as a huge problem and design flaw. I don’t mind that you did that because now I know to stay away from Duracell. Then again, I never buy Duracell batteries, anyway.
You need to do another review using batteries from multiple brands, before concluding that it is an Apple issue. The only conclusion you can make from this article is that the Duracell batteries you used, don’t work with the Airtags. It could be a design issue with Duracells. Doesn’t prove that all Duracells don’t work either – as some posters have commented, their Duracell batteries do work with the Airtag. Could be a batch, quality control issues etc
Just a hint: NEVER touch cell batteries like this with your bare hands, as you will always touch both sides somehow and instantly reduce voltage, power / batterie live. Better use plastic forceps or gloves. (Experience of working in a watch shop!) Thanks fore the advise regarding in/compatibility of that type of batterie.
Dunno if this is helpful to anyone, I just bought a 4-pack of Airtags and they have Duracell batteries in them from factory now…? Front of battery says “CR2032 Duracell Made in China 3V. The number on the back of the battery is IE11A16N but I don’t find any results for it. The black ring around the battery looks thinner than either of the ones in the article. Meh, who knows. Airtag Model is MX542X/A.
The Duracell CR 2032’s has a Child Secure + Bitter Coating that is preventing the airtag from working, I just used rubbing alcohol to remove the coating from the battery and now the Airtag works great now!!! Rubbing Alcohol removes the coating in 10 seconds, I just used a regular disposable papper towel for this…
Thanks for the article. I have the same problem . I bought a pack of batteries “cT-Energy LIR2032 at Walmart, but the batteries got hot Once when I installed them,. I thought the problem was the batteries. But now with this article I understand it.. Apple needs to notify us what exactly is the battery we should buy so as not to make an unnecessary expense
Yep, it happened to me. I purchased batteries from Amazon. Called Tianqiu. Didn’t work. I’m going to try the alcohol thing and see what happened. Update. Alcohol didn’t solve the problem. There’s a rough surface on the new battery compared to old battery (Panasonic) that has a smooth surface. Ordered Panasonic batteries. I will update soon.
Yeah I recently threw out an AirTag, because I thought it was bad after replacing the battery with a Duracell. Then came across this. Called Apple and the folks I spoke to didn’t even know this was an issue. Said well maybe have someone put in the instructions when replacing the battery that Duracell isn’t compatible and the guy kept telling me they offer good customer service. I thought maybe they would offer a discount on a new one or a replacement, but was told no they can’t do that, because they offer good customer service 🤦🏻♂️🤣
There is a bitter coating on the back of the Duracell battery that is stopping the connection. Not wanting to waste the money I spent on several batteries, I simply slid the battery back and forth across 120 grit sand paper about 10-15 times. Easily removed the bitter coating, didn’t damage the battery, and now the Duracell batteries works in the AirTag.
I worked around this issue by putting a small thin metal washer/spacer between the pin and the Duracell battery. Once the battery is in, and you hear the chime, put the cover back on without significantly moving the battery (so the connection is still good). It might take a little extra to turn the cover counterclockwise to lock, but it’s doable. Now my cat’s AirTag is working with the Duracell battery. 🙂
Best Buy sells the Air Tags and they also sell batteries to go along with them – Insignia brand. So perhaps it’s not that you can only use Panasonic batteries with them but that you cannot use Duracells. And altho that’s still a major design flaw, at least it doesn’t restrict you as much. You just have to know that if you buy a brand other than Panasonic and they don’t work, that’s why. What I find annoying – and I think it’s a major design flaw – is the lack of a hole or a loop or something to use a keychain. Maybe you can stick them on things? I haven’t looked into that. But if you need to buy an expensive holder to make them functioning, that’s annoying. (There are cheap ones on Amazon, but still….) I’m still waiting for something really small that I can put on my husband‘s glasses because he loses them all the time. He takes them off to read and then he forgets where he left them.
The batteries are shaped wrong. I was able to make them work by scraping plastic off the center area of the case using a curved surgical blade #15. If you rotate the battery while pressing down you will see where it rubs stainless steel off onto the plastic, that is where it is too high. Since I bought the 4-pack I guess I will have to modify all my Airtags. Pretty surprising that Duracell lets this happen.
I had this problem with energizer batteries. I took a piece of 180 grit sandpaper sanded the edge then sanded the negative side of the battery. Stuck it back in worked fine. Just need to rough it up enough to remove the coating. Apple should replace them all but maybe they can convince the battery manufacture they don’t know how to make batteries. Didn’t go over well when apple claimed everyone didn’t know how to hold their phones but who knows.
How is this apples design flaw? You first say Duracell made the specification so they should know if what they are making it fits it which is a huge assumption. So if old Duracell batteries work, the ones without the coating, and other batteries work how’s this a design failure on apple and not Duracell? I guess apple gets more attention and that’s better for algorithm on yt but seems like faulty logic…
Brilliant job gentlemen! I put a Duracell CR2032 in my Apple Air Tag and it would not work. After searching the web for solutions and finding lots of irrelevant info you guys gave me the answer. I am surprised this issue is not more visible given batteries like Duracell are popular. I’ll go purchase some Panasonic batteries. Thank you.
I found a major legal flaw with AirTags. It’s a Bluetooth device, not useful beyond ~30 feet. It’s good enough to find keys inside of your house just like Samsung and tile devices. The issue is how it’s hopping other iPhones to report beyond that range without consent from them and that’s illegal at the constitutional right level. Your iPhones could be actually used in crimes right now without you knowing it…
Thank you for this! I was going crazy the past few days trying to figure out why my wife’s Air Tag for her IDs wasn’t connecting. I figured it was my iPhone upgrade, but the AirTag is tied to your Apple ID – NOT the device. I had used – Duracells – the Child Secure with Bitter Coating – and like these two gentlemen said – the battery only worked briefly when angled in. I’ve ordered Panasonics from Amazon….
When my Duracell’s with the bitter coating wouldn’t work I tried the emery board solution and it worked perfectly. Simply hold the bottom side of the battery on a 45 degree angle and you can see where the bitter coating is. A few back and forth strokes all around the circumference with the emery board and your coated Duracell will work.
Thanks for posting this. I was so frustrated…I even threw away one of my AirTags in the past because I was sure it was broken. Then I read through some of the comments and I saw “clean the battery with rubbing alcohol”. BOOM! I knew the batteries were NOT the problem. I ended up fixing 2 AirTags…they connected quickly and easily and all I did was put a little Isopropyl alcohol on a rag and rub both batteries. DONE. WORKS FINE!
Thanks for this article. One of my AirTag batteries finally gave up the ghost after a looong period of ‘just working.’ I bought Duracell batteries and assumed the worst when no life was detected. After perusal this article I used Goo Gone to wipe away the embittered coating and the once-questionable Duracell is installed and working.
Just For What It’s Worth: Many years (decades?) ago I had an electronic desk telephone with a Panasonic size N battery in it. The telephone was not Panasonic and, as the ‘phone was not line-powered, the battery powered the electronics. After the Panasonic battery went kaput, I got another brand to replace it. I believe the initial replacement was from Radio Shack as size N batteries were not common in those days. The replacement battery would not power the ‘phone. I tried Duracell, Energizer and another brand but none would power that ‘phone. I could not find Panasonic branded N batteries so I just gave up.
Design flaw??? I think not. This was probably intentional… follow the money and business relations and more than likely the picture will become clear. I’m sure apple has some kind of business deal with Panasonic where they make a ton of money for designing a product that only works when that business partners product is installed. Corporations are sneaky and manipulative like that.
Problem Solved: it has nothing to do with the thin black ring being a different size. If you look closely on the left battery at 1:47 you’ll notice a thin layer of glue around the edge of the battery. Simply rub this off with your thumb and nail and the battery will work fine trust me just did a before and after test and it fixed the battery from connecting.
That has happened with batteries for my remote car starter, thx for the heads up ⬆️ Yes to the statement about hopefully Apple workers having watched this article, my biggest frustration is when I call for tech support and I get handed someone who knows less than me and I’m not a techie I just happened to have had an iPhone for too many year’s lol 😂 2005
THANK YOU GUYS I had exactly this issue and spend at least one hour unscrewing and playing around with settings, while my sodium was increasingly boiling. The battery I bought had the correct specifications, but it just lose power when I screwed on the back, turns out it was thinner than the one the airtag came with.
This is why I buy a new I phone every few years bc I can’t seem to get a handle on changing the battery. > I understand that Apple designs their products to only work with their accessories. But it makes it very hard for people to incorporate the battery changes, accessory replacements, etc. if one has to book an appointment at an Apple store, wait, make several trips, etc. etc. – And yet, that’s how it is .. > Like I said, I find it easier to buy a whole new phone, rather than replace the battery. But then, I have to start a relationship w. a new phone – ie. it takes a long time for the phone to sync w. the user. .