Environmental Health & Safety

Battery Recycling

Batteries contain several different toxic materials. Lead and mercury are the most notable hazardous materials found in household batteries. They also contain cadmium, another highly toxic metal similar to lead and mercury. Alkaline batteries have toxic chemicals and acids that react to produce their power. Even though the battery no longer produces substantial power to run your electronic device, the toxic materials are still present and can be as potent as the day the battery was purchased. When you throw out one of these "dead" batteries, you are giving these toxic materials a way into the ground and as a result, a way into our water supplies, including drinking water.

Even though batteries represent less than one percent by weight of municipal solid waste, they account for fifty-two percent of all cadmium and eighty-eight percent of all the mercury found in the municipal solid waste stream.

What should I do with my old batteries?

RECYCLE!

What difference does it make if I don't recycle my batteries?

It makes a big difference. We as Americans, use roughly two billion "disposable" batteries each year. Since the Lake Michigan Districts Battery Program began in 1994 they have collected over 40,000 pounds of household batteries.

Does it cost anything to use this program?

NO. The program is free to all residents of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. There are two different ways to use the program; you can either choose one of the drop-off sites or the batteries may be brought to one of the Lake Michigan Districts Household Hazardous Waste Collections (1-800-946-4449 or 219-326-1425).

Please feel free to bring your household-type batteries to IUN and place them in the appropriate container for recycling. At this time, only household-type (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V, button-type [calculator, hearing aid, watch, etc.]) can be accepted. The battery containers have been placed in the following locations:

• Hawthorn Hall - near the recycling bins at the northwest entrance/exit
• Library/Conference Center - near the recycling bins in the lobby of the building
• Marram Hall - near the recycling bins in the vending/lounge area
• Savannah Center - in the vending/lounge area on the second floor

IUN COLLECTION RESULTS (December 28, 2007 - September 21, 2009)