Setup a Battery Collection Bin


Photo: Bucket of Batteries

Problem: All batteries are considered hazardous waste in California when they are discarded. This includes all batteries of sizes AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9 Volt, and all other batteries, both rechargeable and single use. All batteries must be recycled, or taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler (e.g., storage facility or broker), or an authorized recycling facility.

Solution: Make it easy for lab staff to dispose of batteries legally and safely by setting up an easily visible collection bin for used batteries. Then empty the bin in one of the many E-Waste collection bins on campus. For a map of locations for E-Waste visit http://www.as.ucsb.edu/asr/wintertechno2007.htm

Cost: Another bin takes up space and needs to be emptied regularly which takes time.

Benefit: Batteries thrown in the trash can end up in landfills. Overtime these batteries will decompose releasing harmful toxins and heavy metals into the ground which can seep into local groundwater.