Arcata Offers Battery Recycling Tips

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

City of ArcataThe City of Arcata is encouraging community members to properly dispose of used batteries.

Used batteries are considered household hazardous waste because they contain toxic chemicals. Old batteries that end up in the landfill release those toxins and cause groundwater contamination, and some used batteries can even cause a fire if not disposed of properly. All used batteries should be recycled for the safety purposes, and the Environmental Services Department has some helpful tips on how to properly dispose of used batteries:

1. Batteries cannot be thrown in the mixed recycling bin. Batteries should not be mixed with other recyclables like paper, cardboard, plastic or glass. Tossing a used battery into the recycling bin creates a potential fire hazard at recycling facilities and should be avoided.

2. Properly prepare batteries before disposal. Place each battery in a clear, plastic bag before placing it in a storage container. An alternative to using a plastic bag is to tape the battery terminals with clear packing, non-conductive electrical or duct tape, keeping the label visible. Batteries that no longer work may contain a residual charge, so they can pose a fire hazard unless they are properly bagged or taped.

3. Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Incidents can occur when batteries or the devices they power, such as a cellphone or tablet, are exposed to inclement or excessively hot weather. Always store used batteries in a plastic container, away from other metals, until they can be disposed of at a collection site. It is recommended that used batteries be recycled within six months.

4. Take caution with swollen or bulging batteries. If a battery appears swollen or bulging, immediately place it in non-flammable material, like sand or kitty litter, and store it in a cool, dry place. Check the manufacturer’s website or contact the retailer who sold the battery to see if the battery or device has been recalled. If a recall is in place, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. As an alternative, contact Humboldt Waste Management Authority’s Hazardous Waste Facility at (707) 441-2005 for instructions on proper disposal.

5. Recycle batteries locally. The local businesses listed below offer battery recycling services. Be sure to call ahead to verify which one will accept the specific type of battery that needs recycling.

Hensel’s ACE Hardware, located at 884 9 Street in Arcata. Call (707) 822-2965 for more information.

Sunnybrae ACE Hardware, located at 86 Sunny Brae Centre in Arcata. Give them a call at (707) 822-7009.

Humboldt Waste Management Authority’s Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 1059 West Hawthorne Street in Eureka. They can be reached by calling (707) 268-8030.

For more information and zero waste tips, visit cityofarcata.org or call the Environmental Services Department at (707) 822-8184.

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