Battery Recycling FAQs
1. Why is it important to recycle batteries?
2. What would happen if batteries were not recycled properly?
3. What types of batteries can be recycled?
4. How do I recycle my batteries?
5. How long may I store or accumulate depleted batteries in my work space before turning them in?
7. What about leaking or damaged batteries?
8. Which batteries are best choices for purchase?
9. The battery bucket is full. Who do I notify to pick up the bucket?
10. Can I bring my batteries from home?
12. But what if I am not on campus and need to recycle my batteries?
13. What about my cell phone and battery?
14. I live in the dorms; how do I recycle my batteries?
1. Why is it important to recycle batteries?
It is illegal to dispose of batteries in the trash. Batteries contain corrosive materials and heavy metals that can contaminate the environment. UCSC uses vendors that recycle every component of each battery within the United States. This significantly reduces the dangers these batteries pose to human health and the environment by diverting them from landfills and incinerators.
2. What would happen if batteries were not recycled properly?
The toxic materials within the batteries can be released into the environment and pose serious threats to human health and the environment. If placed in landfills, the toxic materials can leak into the soil, which can then reach our water supply. If incinerated, toxic fumes are produced.
3. What types of batteries can be recycled?
All batteries, disposable and rechargeable, with the exception of automotive-type lead acid batteries, may be placed in the battery collection containers. If you have a leaking or damaged battery see question #7.
4. How do I recycle my batteries?
Just drop them off at the nearest battery bin. To find out more click HERE.
5. How long may I store or accumulate depleted batteries in my work space before turning them in?
You may keep batteries in your work space for 1 month; then they should be placed in a recycling bin or picked up by Recycling.
6. If I make a special request for pick up because of the size and/or quantity of the batteries; how should batteries be prepared for pickup?
All batteries should be segregated by category to facilitate proper shipping to the appropriate recycling center. Batteries may be boxed, enclosed in ziplock bags, envelopes, or taped together, etc. Specific consideration should be given to the weight and size of the entire package to ensure that it remains intact during the pickup, handling and transportation. All rechargeable batteries, and lithium or magnesium single-use batteries should have the terminals taped for safe transportation. Use non-conductive tape and place it around the top and bottom of the batteries.
7. What about leaking or damaged batteries?
These batteries should be containerized securely and labeled as "leaking batteries" preferably in double ziplock or plastic bags appropriate for their size and weight. Do not mix the broken batteries with intact cartridges, since the entire batch will be contaminated with corrosive waste and require additional vendor labor to process properly for shipping and disposal.
8. Which batteries are best choices for purchase?
Rechargeable batteries are your best buy for your wallet and the environment. NiMH is the best option for purchase. Remember to recharge your batteries right before you use them to get the maximum charge. Rechargeable batteries generally lose 4% charge per day just sitting around. Reusing batteries not only minimizes the quantity sent for disposal and recycling, it is also cost effective.
9. The battery bucket is full. Who do I notify to pick up the bucket?
Physical Plant Recycling will pick up the container. They can be reached at 459-3671.
10. Can I bring my batteries from home?
Do not bring batteries from home up to campus to dispose. See question #12 for locations to recycle your batteries in Santa Cruz.
11. What do I do if I have a bunch of batteries or several lead acid batteries that will not fit in the collection containers?
Place the batteries in a box or container that will support the weight or may be comfortably picked up. Call campus recycling 459-3671 for a special pick up.
12. But what if I am not on campus and need to recycle my batteries?
There are locations in the City of Santa Cruz where you can easily drop off your batteries.
- Branciforte Library - 230 Gault St
- Central Branch Library - 224 Church St
- Garfield Park Library - 705 Woodrow Ave
- City of SC Public Works Department - 809 Center St, Rm 201
- City of SC Customer Service - 809 Center St, Rm 101
- Louden Nelson Community Center - 301 Center St
- City Hall - Locust Street Parking lot Trash Enclosure area (Saturdays only)
- Resource Recovery Facility - 605 Dimeo Lane
Santa Cruz County, City of Capitola and the City of Scotts Valley may put their used batteries in a clear bag and place them in their recycling bins.
Rechargeable batteries may be recycled at any store that sells them.For more information check out the City of Santa Cruz's website: http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us or the County of Santa Cruz's website: http://www.santacruzcountyrecycles.org.
13. What about my cell phone and battery?
You may tape the contacts of your old cell phone battery (see Question #6) and place it in a battery collection bin. The cell phones and rechargeable batteries are recycled at no cost to the campus in a government funded program RBRC. http://www.rbrc.org/call2recycle
14. I live in the dorms; how do I recycle my batteries?
Contact Housing Conservation Services at (831)466-1825.
Question not answered? Contact the Hazardous Waste Manager at 459-3086 or hazwaste@ucsc.edu
Links
Battery Bin Locations (excel file)
Recycling in the City of Santa Cruz
