Battery Recycling

Rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals, toxic to the environment.  Other batteries contain enough acid to be considered Hazardous Waste.  However, the campus chooses to recycle them, rather than dispose of these batteries.  Recycling the batteries makes them “universal waste” rather than “hazardous waste."  This service is ONLY for campus users!

  • Regular “household” or alkaline/carbon zinc batteries are made without heavy metals like mercury and lead and may be thrown away in the regular trash, however, we are now able to collect these batteries for recycling. Please tape off both ends of the batteries and place them in a box marked "batteries for recycling." When the box is full, you may contact EHS for pick up.
  • Car batteries are lead acid batteries and should  be returned to the distributor.  A collection pallet with secondary containment is located in the Clark B Garage for campus vehicles and deep cycle batteries. 
  • Emergency light batteries and Simplex system back-up batteries are "small sealed lead acid batteries."  The collection point for these is the electrician's shop in Clark B in the 55 gallon drum.
  • Nickel-Cadmium, Metal Hydride, Lithium-ion, button batteries and all other types of batteries are to be recycled.  EHS maintains 11 locations on campus where you may deposit rechargeable batteries for recycling.  For students and staff alike, the locations are:  
    • Bailey, Geography Department- see dept. secretary
    • Clark A, entrance to Central Stores, Facilities area
    • Clark A 108, Lock shop hallway
    • Clark B, Electrician’s workshop
    • ISC 235, Geology
    • ISC 332, Biology
    • ISC 225A, Physics
    • MacVittie College Union, mail room
    • MacVittie College Union, main lobby
    • Newton 129B, CIT shop
    • Fraser Library, outside Room 208--The Writing Learning Center
    • South Hall 239a
    • Erwin 205

Batteries to be recycled cannot be left outdoors.  Batteries that have cracked, are swollen, or leaking must be managed as hazardous waste. 

Call x5812 for more information.