The convenience of portable electronic products has become a necessary part of our lifestyles. Batteries serve as their source of power and will only continue to increase in volume as more portable electronic products are developed for consumers. The use of rechargeable batteries in these devices can help conserve resources and save you money. Some rechargeable batteries can be reused several hundred times. When they're no longer usable, it is important to ensure that they are disposed of properly.

How can I dispose of standard batteries?
Alkaline household batteries that are non-rechargeable (AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries) can be taken to the Department of Solid Waste Management's Home Chemical Collection Centers or they can be placed in the regular garbage. Mercury was eliminated in the manufacturing process of these household batteries, so disposal of these batteries no longer poses the same environmental concerns as before.
Nickel-Cadmium (Rechargeable), Nickel Metal Hydride (Rechargeable), Sealed Lead Acid (Rechargeable), Lead Acid Vehicle batteries and Silver Oxide batteries ("button batteries") should be taken to the County's Home Chemical Collection Centers. The centers are available to non-commercial residents only. For more information, check out the easy-to-use Battery Disposal Chart.

It's not just a good idea, it's the law!
Under Florida law, it is illegal to discard nickel-cadmium or small sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries or products containing such rechargeable batteries in the trash. This prohibition applies to every resident as well as every business, institutional, government, industrial, commercial, communications or medical facility in the state. The batteries must be recycled or sent to a special facility permitted to dispose of those batteries. For more information about this regulation, please visit the FDEP website.

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) provides recycling services for many types rechargeable batteries including: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb). Several manufacturers contribute to pay for this service so that it is free of charge to consumers. They provide an online locator service that you can use to find the closest location that will accept and recycle your household rechargeable batteries. They can also be contacted at 1-800-8-BATTERY.

For residents who are served by some other contracted waste service, contact your municipality or waste service company directly to determine if they accept batteries for recycling.

For more information on the proper disposal of home chemicals, visit the Department of Solid Waste's Home Chemical Collection site.