General preparation prior to recycling batteries:

• Cover terminals with plastic tape or place battery in a plastic bag to prevent shorting
• Discharge battery fully
• When shipping more than one battery, package so that terminals from one or more battery packs cannot come into contact with terminals of other battery packs.

Recycling guidelines for specific types of batteries.

Alkaline

Alkaline batteries that are manufactured with a "mercury-free" formula and are safe for disposal in the municipal waste stream.

EXCEPTIONS: California requires non-households to dispose of these batteries in accordance with the California Universal Waste Rules. Also, Minnesota - Hennipen County only, - consumers and non-consumers must dispose of these batteries as a hazardous waste.

Carbon Zinc

These batteries are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste.

Lithium and Lithium-Ion

Safe for disposal in the municipal waste stream but suggested for recycling. You can find a local recycler by going to www.rbrc.com or call 1-800-8-BATTERY or 1-877-2-RECYCLE

Ni-Cad Batteries

Nickel-cadmium batteries are classified as a D006 (cadmium) hazardous waste. You can find a local recycler by going to www.rbrc.com or call 1-800-8-BATTERY or 1-877-2-RECYCLE

Ni-MH Batteries

Safe for disposal in the municipal waste stream but suggested for recycling. You can find a local recycler by going to www.rbrc.com or call 1-800-8-BATTERY or 1-877-2-RECYCLE

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries

SLA batteries are fully recyclable and should be accepted at any location that accepts common automotive starter batteries. Examples of places that accept these batteries are county or municipal recycling drop-off centers, scrap metal dealers, and retailers who sell automotive replacement lead-acid starter batteries. Small Sealed Lead Acid batteries (under 2 lbs.) can be recycled through the RBRC. You can find a local recycler by going to www.rbrc.com or call 1-800-8-BATTERY or 1-877-2-RECYCLE.

Silver Oxide

All Silver Oxide batteries contain silver and are considered to be a hazardous waste by the federal government. Non-Consumers must dispose of these batteries in full compliance with the hazardous waste rules. Consumers are covered by the Household exemption under RCRA which allows for these batteries to be disposed of into the municipal waste stream.