Be Battery Smart

Batteries can and should be recycled.

Batteries contain metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel and silver, which can pose a threat to human health and safety as well as the environment.

Some batteries (e.g., lithium-ion) also contain cobalt and lithium, which are considered critical minerals, meaning they are essential in our society. When a battery is thrown away, those resources can never be recovered.

Responsible battery recycling keeps millions of pounds of critical, potentially harmful metals out of the landfill and in use.

Improper disposal of batteries, particularly those containing lithium, can cause fires or explosions. Not only are you putting your household in harm’s way when you toss batteries in the bin, but you are risking the safety of workers who handle your trash and sort your recycling.

In South Carolina, recycling options are available.

The first rule in managing batteries safely is to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are additional tips on preparing batteries for recycling.