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Batteries

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:

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

Limits: 

  • Household batteries: 1 gallon per day
  • Lead Acid batteries: 5 per day

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.
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