Why Does It Matter?
What do the kids’ toys, Grandpa’s hearing aid, and wireless Christmas lights all have in common? Batteries! They make great stocking stuffers and they are in high demand. But, what do you do with them when they die?
Disposal options for batteries are determined by the type of battery you are using.
Rechargeable batteries should be recycled. They contain materials like Lithium, Nickel Cadmium, and Mercury. Most of them with have a picture of a trash bin with a line through it on them indicating that they should not be thrown away. These materials are considered hazardous and must be properly disposed of to avoid contamination of our environment.
Alkaline batteries (non-rechargeable) have been reformulated and are not considered hazardous. These types of batteries can go in your normal trash. There is a small amount of recoverable metal in them that can also be recycled where programs exist.
What Should You Do?
Save up your used batteries and bring them to one of the following locations around Hendricks County for recycling. You should contact each recycler for details about their specific program and applicable fees. The District also accepts batteries for recycling during Tox-Away Days.
· Alkaline Batteries: Direct Communications (Danville), Indy Tire (Avon) and Interstate Battery (Avon)
· Rechargeable Batteries: Bee Environmental (Plainfield), Best Buy (Avon), Direct Communications (Danville), Indy Tire (Avon), Interstate Battery (Avon), and RadioShack (Avon, Brownsburg & Plainfield)
· Automotive (lead-acid) Batteries: Big O Tires (Plainfield), Brownsburg Muffler & Tire, Coatesville Auto Parts, Indy Tire (Avon), Interstate Battery (Avon), Myer’s Garage (Lizton), NAPA Auto Parts (Avon, Danville & Plainfield), Pence Automotive (Danville), Tractor Supply Company (Plainfield)
Dig Deeper.
When possible, use rechargeable batteries—they are more expensive on the front end, but they do pay for themselves over time, can be easily recycled and reduce waste!
Or, if all the battery buying, swapping, recharging and recycling has you feeling drained, check out some renewable energy power! Emergency crank radios, flashlights that are powered by shaking them and solar powered battery chargers are all alternatives to battery-hungry devices. Also, take a minute or a day for you and your family to “unplug”. Consider enacting an “electronics free” day in your home to “connect” with friends and family or breathe some fresh air. It’ll recharge your own battery!
Next Edition…
Next month we’ll touch on the topic of enviro-shopping. We’ll explain how good decisions when you are shopping can have a huge impact on what you throw away and how much money you spend. Stay tuned!
