By: Greg Plantamura, Energy Efficiency Grant Worker

Rechargeable batteries are a great way to save money and it is easy to recycle them. They are hazardous waste. Do NOT dispose with regular trash! Under Florida law, it is illegal to dispose of nickel-cadmium or small sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries in the trash.

You can drop off old rechargeable batteries for free recycling at businesses in cooperation with Call2Recycle, like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Radio Shack, Target, Best Buy, Office Depot, and Staples. You can find a drop-off location near you at Call2Recycle.org.

You can also drop off batteries at a Pinellas County scheduled mobile collection or at the HEC3 facility for recycling. This service is free for Pinellas County residents, and businesses are charged a reduced fee. To prevent short-circuits, please cover terminals with heavy tape or place individual batteries in separate plastic bags.

To learn more about Batteries for Home Electronics, click here to download this pdf fact sheet from the Florida Energy Systems Consortium.

For more options and information on disposal of batteries (and other household items) consult Pinellas County Utilities’ A to Z Guide for Recycling & Disposal.

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