There are several different kinds of batteries:
Lead-Acid Automobile Batteries – Ninety-six percent of all lead-acid batteries are recycled. Almost any retailer that sells lead-acid batteries collects used batteries for recycling, as required by the state. Reclaimers crush batteries into nickel-sized pieces and separate the plastic components. They send the plastic to a reprocessor for manufacture into new plastic products and deliver purified lead to battery manufacturers and other industries. A typical lead-acid battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic.
Non-Automotive Lead-Based Batteries – Gel cells and sealed lead-acid batteries are commonly used to power industrial equipment, emergency lighting, and alarm systems. The same recycling process applies as with automotive batteries. An automotive store may accept these batteries for recycling or a local recycling contact may have other resources available to you.
Dry-Cell Batteries – Dry-cell batteries include alkaline and carbon zinc (9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA), mercuric-oxide (button, some cylindrical and rectangular), silver-oxide and zinc-air (button), and lithium (9-volt, C, AA, coin, button, rechargeable). Alkaline batteries are everyday household batteries used in flashlights, remote controls, and other appliances now contain little to no mercury. Most small, round, “button-cell” type batteries found in items such as watches and hearing aids contain mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium, or other heavy metals as their main component. Button cells are increasingly targeted for recycling because of the value of recoverable materials, their small size, and their easy handling relative to other battery types. Several reclamation companies now process these batteries. Call your local recycling contact to find recycling opportunities in your area.
Rechargeable Batteries – Rechargeable batteries are a responsible choice for portable energy and the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit public service organization, targets four kinds of rechargeable batteries for recycling: nickel-cadmium (Ni-CD), nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and small-sealed lead for recycling across the country. Their Call2Recycle! program offers various recycling options for communities, retailers, businesses, and public agencies.