Batteries

Since adopting the New Jersey Dry Cell Battery Management Act in 1991 and the Federal Mercury Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act in 1996, household battery manufacturers have begun manufacturing alkaline batteries with no added Mercury and have reduced the amount of Mercury added to other batteries. View a guide on recycling batteries (PDF).

• Alkaline batteries now fall below Federal and State hazardous waste standards and can be disposed of in the regular trash.
• Battery Identification 101 (PDF) - from The Corporation for Battery Recycling
• Button cell (hearing aid or watch) batteries are still household hazardous waste.
• Check out the Essex County Homeowners’ Guide to Proper Household Battery Management.
• The only types of batteries in the U.S. today that contain mercury are button cell batteries and mercuric oxide batteries. Read safe disposal information.

Reminder: if it’s Rechargeable, it’s Recyclable!

Rechargeable batteries are considered “Household Hazardous Waste.” Rechargeable batteries are recyclable. Some stores will accept rechargeable batteries for recycling; check with your local Best Buy, Staples, Target, Office Max, Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, WalMart and Verizon Wireless or bring them to Livingston’s Electronics Recycling Events.

Essex County accepts them at Household Hazardous Waste collection events. Residents can visit their website.

Safe Disposal of AA, AAA, C, D, & 9-volt Batteries

When disposing of AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries, always tape over the terminals with masking, duct, or electrical tape to prevent a fire. Read more about disposing of non-rechargeable batteries.

Brand-Specific Information

Energizer

From the early 1990s on, alkaline batteries have no mercury in them. More precise information is available online.

Duracell

The Chinese characters on the battery - 无汞 - mean no mercury.