Lead Acid Batteries (Automotive)

Up to 97% of a Lead Acid Battery is recyclable. Along with prohibiting disposal of lead acid batteries in landfills or incinerators, state law also requires that all vehicle battery retailers accept used lead-acid batteries at no charge from anyone purchasing a battery from them. If you have used batteries but aren't purchasing a new one, retailers may charge up to $3 for each battery accepted and can refuse to accept more than two batteries a day from any one customer. Automotive battery cores are now worth more money because of the cost of lead. In some areas, retailers are paying the customers for their cores.

Wear safety goggles and gloves when you pick up a battery, and carry it in a wooden box or a leak-proof container. If you drop a battery, neutralize any spilled acid with baking soda or lime.

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Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline Batteries no longer contain mercury, so they can be safely disposed of with normal solid waste. They are now made primarily out of steel, zinc, and manganese, and do not pose a health or environmental risk during use or disposal.

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Rechargeable Batteries & Button Batteries

Rechargeable batteries may contain a variety of chemicals, including Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead (Pb).

Button batteries still contain small amount of mercury, and should be recycled through your local Household Hazardous Waste Collection site.

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Call2Recycle, the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America, has a simple search engine to find Wisconsin retailers that accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.

1. Go to: http://www.call2recycle.org or call 1-877-2-RECYCLE1-877-2-RECYCLE

2. Enter your city or zip code in the drop off locator

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Banned from Wisconsin landfills:

• Lead Acid Vehicle Batteries

 

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