Disposal options
Batteries do not belong in the recycling bin. Some batteries are banned from the trash (see Limitations).
Consumer batteries (any type) are accepted separately for special recycling at:
- All CSWD Drop-Off Centers except the Burlington location.
- the CSWD Environmental Depot – by appointment only. No walk-ins will be accepted. Make an appointment.
- Battery collection sites in the Call2Recycle program
Specialty/industrial batteries are accepted at the CSWD Environmental Depot by appointment only.
For an appointment call the Depot business line at (802) 865-4663.
Batteries not banned from the landfill (see Limitations) may be placed in trash.
Cost
No charge to drop off consumer batteries (any type) at any CSWD Drop-Off Center except the Burlington location or the Environmental Depot – by appointment only.
Fees may apply to:
- Specialty batteries (including batteries that are built-in or designed for a specific unit)
- Industrial batteries
- Electric vehicle batteries
Limitations, regulations and other specifications
It is illegal to place these batteries in the trash in the State of Vermont:
- NiCad (Nickel cadmium)
Rechargeable batteries often found in alarm systems, emergency lighting, power tools, backup power devices, consumer electronic devices. - Lead acid
Rechargeable batteries often found in cars, trucks, emergency lighting, off-grid household electric systems. - Mercury-containing batteries
Non-rechargeable batteries often found in hearing aids, calculators, remote controls, toys, cameras, watches. Includes zinc air miniature batteries, silver oxide button-cell batteries, alkaline manganese oxide button-cell batteries, mercuric oxide batteries.
See NEWMOA fact sheet about mercury use in batteries.
Many button-cell batteries contain mercury, but it can be difficult to tell them apart from ones that don’t. When in doubt, bring all of your batteries to all CSWD Drop-Off Centers except the Burlington location or the Environmental Depot.
Safety
Leaking batteries should be packaged carefully (e.g. in a separate plastic bag) before bringing them in.
To prevent potential fire hazard, please tape or otherwise protect the terminals of:
- Sealed lead batteries
- Lithium batteries
- Batteries greater than 9 volts
Quantity limits
- Household batteries
- One gallon container per day. For larger quantities, contact the Environmental Depot.
- Automotive and lead-acid batteries used in vehicles, motorized toys, and uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units:
- Up to 5 per day. 6 or more accepted only at the Environmental Depot.
- Large quantities may also contact Interstate All Battery Center (802-658-9110; 1298 South Brownell Rd., Williston, VT) for disposal options.
- UPS units: batteries should be removed from unit by customer before placing in collection area. Intact UPS units can be recycled for a fee through the Electronics Recycling Program.
Notes
- In Vermont, battery manufacturers fund product stewardship programs that cover the costs of collecting and recycling rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.