Batteries need special recycling

If you’re always powered up or plugged in somewhere, you definitely need recycling know-how. In an increasingly wireless world, batteries mean freedom from cords and tethers, and car batteries get us where we’re going. That is, until they “run out of juice” and we’re saddled with battery dead weight.

Batteries never go in the trash. They contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead that could harm skin, contaminate water and land. They may come into contact with other things, spark and cause fires.

There are very limited areas where they can be recycled with your regular curbside pickup service. If you aren’t sure, check with your collection service provider but do not recycle them curbside otherwise. [Only residents in unincorporated areas of Monterey County receiving service from Waste Management, Inc. can recycle household batteries in a zipped plastic baggie placed on top of the recycling cart.]

So what do you do with used batteries? They’re heavy and take up space. It’s so frustrating you just want to give them back. In fact, that’s the easiest thing to do. Thanks to programs sponsored by Call2Recycle.org, rechargeable batteries can often be returned for free to places where you got them, or where replacements are sold. Home Depot and Best Buy both offer free rechargeable battery recycling at their stores. These Take-Back programs engage retailers and manufacturers to take responsibility for the products they sell or create. Some new products include a pre-paid disposal fee that helps fund the programs that allow everyone to take back and recycle for free.

In the Salinas Valley, Radio Shack takes back lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium type batteries you’d find there. O’Reilly Auto Parts, Auto Zone, and Wal-Mart Tire and Service Center take back spent car batteries. Other locations providing free drop-off for household batteries include local libraries, ACE Hardware stores, Salinas Valley Recycles “ABOP” (anti-freeze, batteries, oil and paint) Recycling Centers in Gonzales and King City, and the Sun Street Transfer Station HHW Collection Facility in Salinas.

Bring your batteries to an ABOP Center or the Sun Street HHW Facility, and you can also recycle much more for free at the adjacent Recycling Centers, including separated metal, glass, plastics, paper, cardboard, electronic waste and more.

This Saturday, June 20, bring your batteries, e-waste and appliances to the Sun Street Transfer Station at 139 Sun Street in Salinas for the Dinosaur Recycling Event. Come from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and recycle old and outdated e-waste, appliances and more. Recyclers during the event receive a chance to win a number of prizes. Fees apply for appliances containing refrigerant. For more information about the event and recycling, visit SalinasValleyRecycles.org or call the recycling pros at 831-775-3000.

Mandy Brooks is the Recycling Coordinator for Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority. Contact her at mandyb@svswa.org.