9v. battery disposal

Wouldn't it be cheaper (considering the cost of gas and all) just to mail them away?

I can think of any number of government agencies that would be thrilled to receive them.

toss 'em in the trash and get a life.

Since updating the number of smoke alarms in my residences, I now have many weak batteries. I know they can be a dangerous fire hazard, having seen demonstrations, and having had one in my pocket that was trying to copulate with my car keys.

My standard practice is to put some duct tape on them and toss them. My main concern is to get them off my property without event, yet I can't disregard those downstream who might suffer if the tape comes off or is worn through.

Is there some way to just totally discharge these, and toss them, but still taping them? I have had some that were dead as a hammer, and couldn't get a voltage reading on them with a good digital electricital measuring device. That's the way I want them when I toss them so I'm not worrying about them while in my big trash cans, a very good fuel source.

TIA, idiots, flamers and phobics, please don't reply.

Steve

On the site that you referenced, it states that for Alkaline batteries you should simply place in the trash (normal municipal waste). Exceptions: California which requires non-households to dispose of these batteries in accordance with the California Universal Waste Rules. Also, Minnesota (Hennipen County only) requires these batteries be disposed as a hazardous waste. So unless the OP was from one of those two places, "toss 'em in the trash" is the correct thing to do!

On Wed, 9 Jul 2008 12:19:26 -0800, "SteveB" wrote Re 9v. battery disposal:

Instead of a small piece of duct tape, how about two or three full turns of duct tape? That should completely encase the battery in tape.

I noticed that about the Non rechargeable- alkaline but Radio Shack accepts all batteries. I'd rather drop them off there and let them deal with them. At least if there is away to recycle them they can. Also it said not to put in incinerators. I'd rather not assume where and how the OP disposes of his batteries.

The part you are reffering to reads

"Non-rechargeable (typically "alkaline batteries") still don't have a recycler and general just must be disposed in the trash. If you have large quantities or are a business, talk with your permitted sanitary landfill operator (otherwise known as "sanitation services", the "dump" or "landfill"). Waste batteries should not be burned because of the metals, and they could explode. When burned, some heavy metals such as mercury may vaporize and escape into the air, and cadmium and lead may end up in the ash. "

We all need to do our part. :-)

Thank you. How simple. I would have never thought of that.

Steve

I'm not sure but I think his point was that a 9 volt battery causing a fire is pretty remote. I gotta admit I thought that too. But I guess it's possible. Maybe with some fuel?

Anyone who posts: "TIA, idiots, flamers and phobics, please don't reply." get what they deserve.

Just throw them in your chipper/shredder.

I guess most of us are stupid. Afraid to put a 9V in the trash because of fires?! Amazing.

That was the point, S. I don't want to toss them into the trash, have them start a fire, and have it end my life or someone else's.

Were you born stupid, or did you just practice a lot?

Steve

I really don't care about the disposal part. What I want is to be safe in the interim when they still have enough juice to start a fire if shorted out. That rarely occurs with other batteries that have terminals both ends. I did have some AA batteries in my pocket once for my camera, and they contacted with my keys enough to burn my skin through my pants.

Steve

I just throw mine in the trash, BUT I also used to store them in my top bureau drawer out of their package with my 9mm bullets rolling around in the same drawer.... somehow they got discharged.?.?. I have since stopped that practice.. But I never got shot, go figure! I think they are not a threat. Clark...

A guy at RS told me they only take rechargeable batteries. What I think that means in practice is that they only want rechargeable batteries, but often don't look when you drop them off.

Yeah. You're probably right. I know the non-rechargeable are not recyclable. They probably dump them in landfills that can handle the heavy metal.

So, put a resistive load across the terminals, until the battery is good and dead. And then you need not worry any more.

Like the stuff in a trash can? All it takes is for the contacts to short out on a tin can. (hope the tin can dates me) But really shorting out on most any metal would get it hot. They are fire starters and used on special effects along with just a little wiring and steel wool. Contact. Steel wool glows red hot. You got ignition. Now run like hell.

Steve