Due to new federal Department of Transportation regulatory changes and less hazardous battery compositions, effective Jan. 1, several New Jersey counties will change collection practices.
Both rechargeable and button cell batteries must be properly prepared before drop off; residents must individually bag each battery or tape each terminal end prior to recycling. Residents may bring rechargeable and button cell batteries to the Middlesex County household battery drop-off locations and the county’s household hazardous waste collection events. For locations and collection events, visit the web site at www.co.middlesex.nj.us/planningboard/ solidwaste.asp.
Batteries that should be recycled are: Rechargeable batteries — found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders, and remote control toys. Rechargeable batteries sometimes look like regular alkaline batteries, and the label on the battery will indicate if it is rechargeable. If it says “alkaline,” it should be disposed of in the regular trash.
Button cell batteries are used in hearing aids, digital thermometers, insulin pumps, portable medical monitors, hospital pagers, watches, toys and calculators. Most button cell batteries still contain mercury and should be recycled.
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. provides a free recycling program for rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries can be recycled at participating retail locations. For a list of retail collection sites, visit www.call2recycle.org or call 877-273- 2925.