Trash Talk
By Julie Kennedy, Clay County Hazardous Waste Coordinator
Recycling rechargeable batteries is a sustainable way to make sure they are disposed of properly. These batteries cannot go into regular recycling or in household trash. If rechargeable batteries are not recycled properly, they may end up in landfills or leach toxic metals into streams, rivers, and oceans.
Correctly recycling rechargeable batteries reduces the risk of fire from improper disposal. In Clay County, rechargeable batteries have caused fires in collection vehicles, at the transfer station, and at the landfill.
Rechargeable batteries have valuable metals that, when recycled properly, can be recovered and made into something new. Nickel batteries (Ni-Cd, NI-MH, Ni-Zn) can be recycled into silverware, pots and pans, golf clubs, and new batteries. Lithium batteries can be recycled into steel, stainless steel, and new batteries.
Batteries That Can Be Recycled
· Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
· Nickel Metal Hydride
(Ni-MH)
· Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
· Primary Lithium
· Lead Acid
Where to Recycle Rechargeable Batteries
· Call2Recycle partners with Home Depot, Lowes, and Staples to provide thousands of in store drop off kiosks for rechargeable battery recycling.
· Manufacturers, cell phone carriers, Amazon Second Chance Program, Best Buy, First Alert, and GameStop provide trade in programs for cell phones, computer peripherals, cameras, e-readers, game controllers, fire/carbon monoxide detectors, and smart watches containing batteries. These programs are often free.
· Some local shelters accept older working cell phones or computer peripherals.
· Residents of Clay County may bring rechargeable batteries and lead acid batteries from their homes to the Clay County Household Hazardous Waste Facility for recycling. The facility is located at 3322 15th Ave N, Moorhead. It is open Monday through Friday 8am-4pm and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the Month from 8am-11:30am. Batteries weighing over 11 pounds or 300 watt hours are not accepted at this facility.
· Businesses in Clay County can use mail in programs through EasyPak, Call2Recycle, and Waste Management. Please contact the companies directly for details regarding their programs.
How to Prepare Rechargeable Batteries from Homes in Clay County for Recycling
· Place each battery individually in a clear sealable plastic bag or tape the contacts on the batteries with clear tape.
· Place bagged or taped batteries in a plastic tub with a loose-fitting lid. Store the batteries in a cool, dry location out of reach of children until you are ready to recycle them.
· Bring Batteries to the Clay County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 3322 15th Ave N, Moorhead. There is no fee for Clay County residents to drop off batteries from their home.
Alkaline (Common Single Use) Batteries
Alkaline Batteries may be thrown in the trash. Alkaline batteries are not hazardous and contain very little recyclable material. The best disposal method for these single use alkaline batteries is with regular household garbage.
With so many types of batteries in use, Clay County encourages residents to call the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 218 299-5077 if they have battery disposal questions.