Battery Disposal Recycling

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have caused numerous fires over the last few years in New Jersey. A committee of the Association of NJ Recyclers (ANJR), Association of New Jersey Household Hazardous Waste Coordinators (ANJHHWC), Call2Recycle, and Recycle Coach recently launched a state-wide "Avoid the Spark" campaign to educate the public about the dangers of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Check out the following websites:

Single-Use Alkaline Batteries

Single-use Alkaline batteries may still be placed in household garbage (tape the terminals of 9-volt batteries), despite the directions for alkaline batteries on the "Battery Identification Guide" provided on the "Avoid the Spark" website. Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA) does not accept alkaline batteries for recycling, only rechargeable batteries. However, if you are interested in recycling alkaline batteries, you can purchase at-home kits or locate an Ace Hardware store that will properly dispose of them.

Rechargeable & Lithium Batteries

Home Depot and Lowes provide drop-off boxes for rechargeable and lithium batteries. To find other drop-off locations, check the Call2Recycle website. Sussex County MUA also allows for free drop-off of rechargeable and lithium batteries during their Household Hazardous Waste days. (Tape Lithium/Button Cell batteries, or place them separately in a plastic bag). Car batteries can be brought to the SCMUA Convenience Center at any time (scale charge applies).

Documents

  1. Call2Recycle (PDF)
  2. Call2Recycle and New Jersey Coalition Take on Battery Recycling Initiative to Help Residents Avoid the Spark (PDF)
  3. SCMUAs Guide to Proper Household Battery Management (PDF)