Trash Talk

Mara DeRung

Solid.Waste@claycountymn.gov.
Each year over two billion household batteries are purchased in the United States to power a variety of products. Some types of batteries require special disposal like rechargeable and button batteries. This is because they continue to hold a small amount of energy, called a “residual” charge, which may be released as heat or fire if the batteries are damaged or punctured.
Single use alkaline batteries do not require special disposal. All batteries with the words “Alkaline or Alcaline”, “General Use” or “Carbon Zinc” on the label are ok to be put in the trash. Their recyclable content and potential danger are very low.
Rechargeable and button batteries placed in your garbage or recycling may be damaged by equipment. If they are damaged by a compactor truck, landfill equipment, or transfer station equipment they can cause a fire. Improper disposal of rechargeable and button batteries has resulted in truck fires, landfill fires, and the complete destruction of several recycling facilities in Minnesota.
Clay County accepts rechargeable and button batteries for recycling at the Clay County Landfill near Hawley and the Clay County Resource Recovery Facility in Moorhead. Please cover the contact points on batteries with clear packing tape before transporting them.
Batteries Accepted at Clay County Battery Recycling Sites:
• Nickel Cadmium- Commonly found in cordless power tools, cordless phones, digital cameras and video cameras, and two-way radios.
• Nickel Metal Hydride- Commonly found in cellphones, cordless power tools, cordless phones, digital cameras, and two-way radios.
• Lithium Ion- Commonly found in cordless power tools, digital cameras, laptop computers, and cellphones.
• Sealed Lead Acid- Commonly found in mobility scooters, fire emergency devices, emergency exit signs, vehicles, and UPS back-up batteries.
• Button batteries- Commonly found in hearing aids and watches.
Also old mattresses can be recycled at the Resource Recovery Center for 16 dollars. Mattresses will be considered as garbage if they are stained with blood, biohazards, or if they’re infested with bugs.
If you have questions about the program or other solid waste disposal issues in Clay County, please call or email me, Mara DeRung, at 219 299-5016 or at Solid.Waste@claycountymn.gov.