Is It Okay To Discard Used Batteries At Rite Aid?

In the United States, millions of single-use and rechargeable batteries are bought, used, and recycled or disposed of in the trash every year. Many municipalities and private companies provide designated drop-off sites for battery recycling, some for free, while others may charge a fee. Lithium batteries, small, round ones used for hearing aids, watches, and car key fobs, are toxic and should not be thrown in the trash.

Rite Aid has developed an expanded link on their website to provide consumers with information on how to dispose of their unused or expired medications properly. Common everyday alkaline batteries, including AAs, Ds, 9-volts, and others, are deemed safe to be thrown away in household trash. However, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should throw out some types.

Common household alkaline batteries are considered nonhazardous and can be thrown out with regular trash. Rechargeable batteries can be disposed of at staples, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walgreens at no cost. CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens also allow recycling of rechargeable batteries at no cost.

California no longer allows batteries to be disposed of in the trash due to their presence of toxic metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel. Non-rechargeable and alkaline household batteries may be discarded with regular trash, but it is illegal to put rechargeable batteries in your trash or in curbside carts and bins. Used batteries are hazardous waste and must be handled separately. It is against the law to put used batteries in any of your collection carts or bins.

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.

Why are alkaline batteries not recycled?

The recycling of alkaline batteries is a costly process, and few recycling companies accept them. Therefore, it is a less environmentally friendly approach than purchasing rechargeable batteries, which are easily recycled.

Are batteries allowed to be thrown away?

Single-use batteries are now made of common metals and can be disposed of in regular trash in all states except California, where it is illegal to throw away all types of batteries. Before 1996, single-use batteries contained mercury and were treated as hazardous waste. However, button cell batteries found in watches are hazardous and should be disposed of like rechargeable batteries. Recycling single-use batteries is possible, but there is usually a fee associated with it.

Can portable batteries be recycled?

The recycling of used batteries represents a sustainable practice, whereby each battery is dismantled in a recycling bin in a safe manner and the materials are repurposed for the creation of new products.

What can you do with a dead battery?

To charge a dead car battery, follow these 8 steps:

1. Check jumper cables for cleanliness, alligator clips for corrosion, and wires for tears or kinks.
2. Turn off engines on both cars, ensuring they are in Park and fully disengaged.
3. Use jumper cables and a willing Good Samaritan to jump-start the vehicle.
4. Ensure the jumper cables are clean, free of corrosion, and there are no tears or kinks in the wires.

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.

Are batteries recyclable or not?

Most batteries can be recycled, but some are more readily recycled, such as lead-acid automotive batteries and button cells due to their toxicity. Other batteries like rechargeable nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium-ion, and nickel-zinc can also be recycled. Disposable alkaline batteries are the majority of consumer battery use, but there is 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. Elemental lead in lead-acid batteries should be kept out of the waste stream.

Can you do anything with old batteries?

Batteries should be transported to an authorized recycling center, universal waste handler, or household hazardous waste disposal facility.

Can I dispose of batteries in Tesco?

To dispose of old electrical and battery items, customers are invited to bring them to any Tesco store with a valid proof of purchase.

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.

Is there money in old batteries?

Some batteries, like lead acid, have market value that can be repaid for. Recycling used batteries can be done at low to no cost, but some cases can result in cash back. The amount of money earned depends on the type and quantity of batteries. Battery Recyclers of America states that most clients do not have to pay to recycle with them, and many are eligible to receive cash depending on the type of batteries they recycle.