Batteries can and should be recycled when they reach their end-of-life.
Throwing batteries in the garbage or in your curbside recycling bin can cause fires and harm the environment, people, and property.
CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTSOverview
In Vermont, Call2Recycle administers it’s battery collection and recycling program to ensure batteries are responsibly recycled at their end of life. In addition to rechargeable batteries, thanks to the state’s primary battery law, Vermonters can recycle all household batteries at no cost at special drop-off locations across the state. Batteries should not be recycled in blue bins or thrown away in the garbage.
There are hidden dangers tied to improper handling and disposal of batteries at their end-of-life. Many are unaware of these dangers, which are causing an increasing number of fires across recycling centers, waste facilities and garbage trucks, and resulting in millions of dollars in physical damage and putting lives in danger.
The bottom line: by taking a few extra steps, we can all play a role in reducing the potential risks to people, property, and the environment.
Building awareness around battery safety and disposal is critical across the U.S., including Vermont. While Vermont has a primary battery stewardship law, few know about the potential risks tied to improper handling of batteries. Call2Recycle’s ‘Avoid the Spark. Be Battery Safety Smart.’ Campaign provides the tools necessary to help increase awareness around the safe handling and recycling of batteries to prevent battery-related fires.
Help Vermonters Avoid the Spark! Find a drop-off location here, or download the Battery Guidelines below:
VT Battery Guidelines
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PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGNAwareness and education go hand-in-hand in terms of preventing battery safety incidents. We need your help to spread the message to your family, friends and community members on how to properly recycle batteries and why it can help keep them safe. Here are some quick steps to take:
1.
Learn how to be battery safety smart using this VT Battery I.D. Guide.
2.
Join the VT battery safety discussion on social media.
3.
Bag each battery or tape each battery’s terminals prior to storing or bringing to a collection site.
4.
Manage your household batteries safely & responsibly:
find a participating drop-off site on Call2Recycle’s locator.
Campaign Resources
Campaign Poster
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Campaign Logo
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Campaign Logo (white)
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- Why should I recycle my used batteries?
- All batteries can and should be recycled. If batteries, especially lithium-based, are thrown into the garbage, they can cause a spark that could endanger individuals and surrounding property. Certain types of batteries, such as Nickel Cadmium rechargeable, can contaminate the environment if not properly disposed. Batteries are valuable and recycling them can reduce the need to mine for virgin materials along with transforming reclaimable materials into other useable products. Consumer awareness is key to changing behavior and ensuring more batteries are recycled the right way and don’t end up in landfills.
- Why do batteries need to be terminally protected?
- Taping the exposed terminals of batteries (or alternatively, bagging) can help prevent the battery from rubbing against other batteries, metals or potentially flammable materials, which could result in fires, personal injury or other damage. Duct, electrical or packing tape are all good options in addition to clear ziploc bags.
- Which types of batteries do I need to protect?
- All rechargeable batteries need to be protected. This includes Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel Zinc, Lithium-Ion, Small Sealed Lead Acid. Additionally, any battery over 12 volts should also be bagged or taped. Lithium-based batteries pose a potential risk when not properly protected, as witnessed by a number of fires at recycling facilities across the country. For additional guidance, view our Battery Safety 101 video. When in doubt, always tape or bag.
- How do I find a drop-off location near me?
- Finding a special drop-off site is easy using our locator! Call2Recycle has established battery drop-off locations across Vermont, including The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Staples.
- What if there’s not a location near me to recycle my batteries?
- If you’re unable to find a battery drop-off location, visit our store to shop for an all battery recycling kit. Simply fill and ship!
RECYCLE NOW
