Part two of our blog about hard to recycle items.
A child brings you their favorite noise making toy, which no longer sings their favorite song.
Your tv remote dies, again, and you can’t navigate to your favorite binge worthy show.
You’re getting ready for your annual camping trip and see that the flashlight you used last year no longer works.
What do these all have in common? Of course they all need their batteries replaced — but what in the world do you do with the old ones?
We all know that they are full of chemicals that we don’t want to get into the environment, but they also can’t be put in your recycling bin for curbside pickup either. So what can you do with them?
We’ve put together resources and locations of Detroit area recycling locations where you can drop off used batteries (and sometimes electronic waste or other hazardous household waste such as paint or motor oil).
City of Detroit Residents:
The City of Detroit has a drop off Household Hazardous Waste Receiving Facility at 2000 E. Ferry Street (near I-75 and I-94) for batteries, electronic waste and other hazardous household waste.
No appointment is needed. Drop off times are every Thursday from 7:30 am – 2:00 pm and every fourth Saturday of the month from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Find more information HERE.
Wayne County Residents
Wayne County offers a recycling voucher program to Wayne County residents. This program allows residents to dispose of their household hazardous waste five days a week. Vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis until they run out.
For more information about how to obtain a voucher, view the flier HERE.
Alternatively, Wayne County residents can take their items to one of the following waste drop off events for 2023:
Dearborn HHW event - 6/17/2023 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please click here to view the event flier.
Westland HHW event - 8/26/2023 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please click here to view the event flier.
Taylor HHW event - 10/21/2023 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please click here to view the event flier.
Oakland County Residents:
Residents of Oakland County can recycle household hazardous waste, including batteries and electronic waste at their respective waste authority drop-offs. For more information on drop off options click HERE . Or to view the schedule of drop off events and accepted items click HERE.
Now that you know WHERE to recycle your batteries, here are a few additional tips that will allow you to properly store your batteries until you get them to a drop off facility near you.
1. Use a non-metallic container: Metal containers can conduct electricity, which may cause the batteries to short circuit and potentially start a fire. It's best to use a non-metallic container such as a plastic or cardboard box to store your dead batteries.
2. Keep the batteries dry: Moisture can cause batteries to corrode and leak, which can be harmful to the environment. Store your dead batteries in a dry place to prevent any moisture from getting in.
3. Store the batteries in a cool, ventilated area: Heat can also cause batteries to leak, so it's best to keep them in a cool, dry place. Also, make sure the area is well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of any potentially harmful gasses.
4. Keep the batteries separate: To prevent any accidental contact and the risk of short circuiting, it's important to keep different types of batteries separated. You can store them in separate bags or containers.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your dead batteries are stored safely before they are recycled.
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