If you have old, used batteries around the house that you need to get rid of, you may be wondering what to do with them. Can you recycle batteries at Home Depot? Let‘s take a closer look at what battery recycling options Home Depot offers.
Overview of Battery Recycling at Home Depot
The good news is yes, Home Depot does provide a way for customers to recycle batteries responsibly. Home Depot has partnered with Call2Recycle, North America‘s first and largest battery recycling program.
Call2Recycle places battery recycling bins at participating Home Depot locations across the United States and Canada. Customers can simply drop off their used rechargeable batteries at these bins for free recycling.
What Types of Batteries Does Home Depot Recycle?
Home Depot‘s battery recycling program through Call2Recycle accepts most common rechargeable battery types, including:
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries
- Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries
- Small sealed lead acid batteries
Batteries from devices like laptops, cell phones, power tools, cameras, toys, and more can be recycled through this program.
The batteries must weigh 11 lbs or less individually and be under 300 watt-hours. Single-use alkaline batteries are not accepted.
How to Recycle Batteries at Home Depot
Recycling batteries at Home Depot through the Call2Recycle bins is quick and easy:
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Collect any used rechargeable batteries you want to recycle. Make sure they meet the weight and type requirements.
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Take the batteries to a participating Home Depot location. Find the Call2Recycle drop-off bin, usually located near the returns desk.
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Place each battery individually in a plastic recycling bag provided at the bin. Make sure terminals are taped or caps are on.
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Deposit the bagged batteries in the collection bin. An associate will collect and ship them to Call2Recycle facilities.
Why Proper Battery Recycling Is Important
Batteries contain heavy metals and corrosive materials that can harm the environment if disposed of improperly. Recycling batteries through programs like Call2Recycle helps keep these toxic substances out of landfills and prevents contamination of soil and water sources.
Proper battery recycling also allows materials like lithium, iron, nickel, and cadmium to be recovered and reused, conserving natural resources. Disposing of batteries irresponsibly can lead to fines as it violates laws in many states.
Other Stores That Offer Battery Recycling
In addition to Home Depot, many other major retailers provide battery recycling through partnerships with Call2Recycle:
- Best Buy
- Lowe’s
- RadioShack
- Office Depot
- Staples
Check with your local stores to find the nearest battery recycling bin. You can also search on Earth911.org for more specialized recycling locations in your area.
Battery Recycling Tips
When handling used batteries for recycling, make sure to take safety precautions like:
- Taping over the terminal ends
- Storing batteries in plastic bags or containers to prevent fires
- Transporting gently to avoid damage
- Keeping batteries away from heat sources
Only recycle rechargeable batteries, not single-use or automotive lead-acid batteries. Take those to a hazardous waste facility instead.
Conclusion
Home Depot provides an accessible battery recycling solution through their Call2Recycle program. Dropping off old rechargeable batteries at Home Depot is a simple way to keep these hazardous materials out of landfills and avoid polluting the environment. Consider recycling your batteries the next time you visit Home Depot or another participating retailer.
