Alkaline Batteries
Single-use alkaline batteries are considered nonhazardous and can be discarded in normal trash or recycled. This includes many batteries used at home, including AA, AAA, 9 volt and D cell batteries.
Please do not put these batteries in your home recycling. See below for recycling options.
Rechargeable and Button Batteries
Some AA, AAA, 9-volt and D-cell batteries are rechargeable. These batteries are not alkaline batteries and are considered toxic. Button batteries, which contain silver and mercury, are common in toys, watches and other items. These batteries must be recycled properly.
Please do not put these batteries in your home recycling. See below for recycling options.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium or lithium-ion batteries are found in cell phones, laptops, cars, power tools and other items and appliances.
These batteries cannot be thrown in your household trash. Not only are they considered toxic, but these batteries can cause fires in your trash receptacles and/or in our refuse collection trucks.
Please help us by properly recycling these items! See below for recycling options.
For more information on lithium batteries, check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s FAQ.
Proper Recycling
For safe recycling, take batteries to one of many locations in Henrico that participate in the Call2Recycle program.
This program works with national and local partners to educate the public about the safety risk of improper battery disposal and to promote proper disposal. Use their drop-off locator to find the closest location to you. Participants in this area include Lowe’s, Home Depot and Staples.
For more information, visit Call2Recycle’s website. For your convenience, we are including its Battery I.D. Guide to help identify common household battery types. (En Español)
