Batteries

Standard household batteries (such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt) are Refuse

These batteries are considered Refuse and can be disposed of in garbage for curbside pickup.  Most of the heavy metals in household batteries were removed in 1992, with Mercury use discontinued in 1996. Therefore, they are no longer Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and residents should dispose of them as refuse.  They will not be accepted at HHW Collection Drop-Off events unless they are known to be from older dates.

Rechargeable batteries and car batteries are Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Devices that contain rechargeable batteries are considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW):

• Batteries in cell phones, laptop computers, cordless power tools, digital cameras, portable CD and DVD players, etc.
• Any device that plugs into a cradle for recharging uses a rechargeable battery
• Button cell batteries for watches and lithium batteries for cameras

While we encourage the use of rechargeable batteries because they reduce the volume and the toxicity of our waste, these batteries themselves are very hazardous to human health and our environment, so they must never be thrown out. 

HHW can be disposed of at HHW collection events. The Essex County Utilities Authority oversees the county’s HHW Collection Days twice each year – spring and fall – in nearby Cedar Grove.  If you don’t want to wait for HHW drop-off days, take them to Staples or Home Depot: 

https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling

https://ecoactions.homedepot.com/blog/projects/recycle-rechargeable-batteries-the-home-depot/