Button Cell Batteries
What Should I Do With It?
Button cell batteries, commonly found in everyday household items like watches, hearing aids, calculators, and small toys, require specialized disposal due to their chemical makeup. Many of these small batteries contain corrosive materials and toxic heavy metals, such as mercury, which are used to stabilize the battery and extend its shelf life. Because of these environmental hazards, button batteries are legally banned from standard garbage cans and curbside recycling bins, where they risk leaking or causing fires. To dispose of them safely, cover the battery terminals with tape and drop them off at a certified hazardous waste collection point or a participating retail recycling station.
Safety First
This item contains chemicals, heavy metals, or batteries that can be dangerous. Throwing it in your regular trash can cause fires, hurt sanitation workers, or leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.