Battery Recycling
Important Information on Battery Storage and Transportation
Battery Drop-Off Sites
Battery recycling is vital to our community’s environmental health. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans purchase more than two billion household batteries a year. Most of these batteries are not rechargeable and end up in landfills or incinerators. This practice causes concern because most batteries contain metals, such as mercury, cadmium, and nickel, that are potentially toxic.
The single largest source of mercury in garbage is household batteries, especially alkaline and button batteries. Mercury is a heavy metal with high toxicity. Long-term exposure can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and fetuses. The major way people get exposed to mercury is by eating mercury-contaminated food, especially fish. Manufacturers of alkaline batteries have already made the commitment to eventually eliminate mercury from batteries. However, mercury is an integral part of button batteries and cannot be eliminated.
Since Hennepin County started its battery recycling program in 1990, it has collected more than 1,250 tons of button and household batteries and reclaimed the mercury, lead, cadmium, and silver in them. There are 550 button battery and 250 household battery collections sites throughout Hennepin County, including many City Halls (see below for drop-off locations).
The use of rechargeable batteries is strongly encouraged. Two AA Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries can replace up to 600 single-use batteries. Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys.
For a list of retailers that accept rechargeable batteries for recycling, call the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) at 1-800-822-8837, or visit its web site at www.rbrc.org. The RBRC is an industry-funded group that promotes rechargeable battery recycling. Many local retailers participate in their nationwide program.
If you have more questions about battery recycling, call the Golden Valley environmental coordinator at 763-593-8046.
Important Information On Battery Storage and Transportation
A depleted battery that is ready to be discarded may still contain a residual charge. Certain precautions must be taken to prevent batteries from short-circuiting and potentially causing a fire. Before bringing batteries to a collection location.
- Place each battery into an individual plastic bag to prevent contact between terminals or other metal surfaces during storage and transport OR
- Place non-conductive electrical tape over the battery terminals.
Battery Drop-Off Sites
- Golden Valley City Hall (7800 Golden Valley Rd)
- Hennepin County libraries
- Snyder Drug and Target Stores
- Most camera stores and jewelry departments
- Hennepin County drop-off facilities:
- Hennepin County Recycling Center & Transfer Station, 8100 Jefferson Hwy, Brooklyn Park and;
- South Hennepin Recycling & Problem Waste Drop-Off Center, 1400 West 96th St, Bloomington
For a complete listing, call Hennepin County Environmental Services at 612-348-3777. Businesses should contact the Hennepin County Environmentalist at 612-348-3563.
