Batteries

Have a lot of batteries? Schedule your visit on our home page or call ahead (574-935-8618) so we can prepare for your visit and alert you to any fees that might be required. 

Alkaline Batteries

Batteries labeled “alkaline” or AA, AAA, C or D are not considered hazardous–they can be thrown into your regular trash if you have just a handful. However, before you toss them, use regular transparent Scotch tape to tape the contacts on both ends. We do accept them at the Depot. 

All Other Batteries

• All other batteries (with labels such as “rechargeable,” “lithium,” “Ni-CD,” etc.) are hazardous! Bring them to the Depot for recycling.
• When you bring your batteries to the Depot, bring them loose in a box–do not bring them in bottles or jugs mixed with other items such as light bulbs. This can injure Depot staff, as we must sort batteries by hand.
• If any batteries are seriously damaged, put them in a separate container and call it to our attention when you drop off your batteries at the Depot.
• As you see in the top picture to the right, we collect batteries in special drums filled with flame retardant material. We are careful to store them at a constant temperature to avoid possible thermal runaway. At home, always store your batteries in clean, dry space and bring them to us if you notice any swelling, leaking, or discoloration. This is a fire hazard!