Household Hazardous Waste

Americans purchase nearly 3 billion dry-cell batteries every year to power radios, toys, cellular phones, watches, laptop computers, and portable power tools.  

 

Some batteries contain toxic metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can harm human health and the environment when batteries are improperly disposed. Size alone is not the best guide — some of the tiniest batteries are the most toxic.  When incinerated, certain metals might be released into the air or can concentrate in the ash produced by the combustion process. 
 
Proper Disposal of Batteries

In Minnesota it is illegal to dispose of certain batteries in the trash because they contain heavy metals.  Check out the Household Battery Fact Sheet for information on the different types of batteries, if they are hazardous, their uses, and how to properly dispose of them. 

 

All types of used household batteries are accepted at: