trash talk

Shannon Thompson

Each year over two billion household batteries are purchased in the United States to power a variety of products. Some household batteries may contain toxic metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and silver, which can contaminate our air and water when the batteries are incinerated or disposed of in a landfill. Eventually these metals can accumulate in living tissue and cause adverse health effects. Once a battery is used up or no longer useful, the battery’s chemistry will determine how best to dispose of it. Clay County is partnering with Call2Recycle to accept select types of batteries at various locations throughout the County.

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.

· Small Sealed Lead Acid- Commonly found in mobility scooters, fire emergency devices, emergency exit signs, and UPS back-up batteries.

· Button batteries- Commonly found in hearing aids and watches.

The Collection Containers are Located at:

· Clay County Courthouse Solid Waste Management Office

· Clay County Landfill

· Clay County Household Hazardous Waste Facility

· Family Service Center of Clay County

· City of Felton

· City of Moorhead Transfer Station

Vehicle batteries should be taken back to the retailer. By law, auto battery retailers must accept up to five lead-acid batteries from consumers free of charge.

Single use alkaline batteries are safe to place in the trash.

If you have questions about the program or other solid waste disposal issues in Clay County, please call or email me at Shannon Thompson at 218 299-7329 or Shannon.thompson@co.clay.mn.us.