Why Recycle Batteries?

In an emergency and for all those electronic products we've come to depend on, batteries are an essential part of modern life. They help us hear, work, play, communicate, capture an image, be mobile, and alert us to danger conveniently and inexpensively.

From cell phones and computers, watches, smoke alarms, toys, and hearing aids, to flash lights and power tools -- our demand for batteries has grown dramatically and is likely to continue to increase as technology finds new uses for this handy, portable energy source. Over 3 billion industrial and household batteries are purchased each year. That's enough to fill 600 full-size school buses annually!

Unfortunately, many batteries contain toxic metals, such as mercury, cadmium and lead, which are a potential threat to people and the environment if not disposed of properly. Mercury, for example, is a nerve toxin that can impair the way people see, hear, walk and talk. When mercury gets into the environment, it builds up in the tissue of fish and wildlife and people who eat those fish. And, recycling saves resources because recovered plastic and metals can be used to make new items.

Used batteries are a hazardous waste and must be handled separately. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO PUT USED BATTERIES IN ANY OF YOUR COLLECTION CARTS OR BINS.

Battery Recycling Locations

Batteries can be recycled by properly sorting them and taking them to the appropriate facility as listed below. Several local retail stores collect rechargeable batteries for recycling. Automotive batteries (lead-acid) are also rechargeable batteries, but they require special handling. All batteries -- rechargeable, non-rechargeable, and automotive batteries -- are accepted at the Yuba-Sutter Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Rechargeable Batteries

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
Power tools, cell and cordless telephones, professional radios and video cameras.

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Computers, cell phones, camcorders.

Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn)
Digital cameras and other consumer electronics.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) (For proper storage and transport, isolate each contact with tape.)
Computers, cell-phones.

Small Sealed Lead-Acid (SSL)
Burglar alarms, wheel chairs, emergency lighting, backup power.

Rechargeable batteries can be dropped off for recycling at these locations:

AT&T Mobility
1054 Harter Pkwy., Suite 9, Yuba City
(530) 822-2700
 
BatteriesPlus
1199 Butte House Road, Yuba City
(530) 671-9905
 
Dollar General
921 B Street, Marysville
(530) 216-5027
 
Dollar General
1900 McGowan Pkwy., Olivehurst
(530) 777-0401
 
Fastenal
1256 Garden Highway, Yuba City
(530) 671-1335
 
Home Depot
1100 Tharp Road, Yuba City
(530) 755-1715
  
O'Reilly Auto Parts
5983 Lindhurst Avenue, Marysville
(530) 749-9052
 
O'Reilly Auto Parts
905 B Street, Marysville
(530)743-9578
 
O'Reilly Auto Parts
839 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City
(530) 822-0190
 
Lowe's
935 Tharp Road, Yuba City
(530) 844-5000
 
Meeks Builders
1414 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City
(530) 674-5060
 
Office Depot, Inc.
1068 Harter Road, Yuba City
(530) 671-9001
 
Radio Shack
201 D Street, Marysville
(530) 743-7144

Radio Shack
1185 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City
(530) 751-1075
 
Radio Shack
1171 Bridge Street, Yuba City
(530) 673-4533
 
Rite Aid
1590 Butte House Road, Yuba City
(530) 755-3846
 

SAM'S CLUB
900 S. Walton Avenue, Yuba City
(530) 822-9489
 
Sears
1235 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City
(530) 751-4626
 
Staples
671 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City
(530) 671-1256
 
Stineman's Farm Supply
4505 Wheatland Road, Wheatland
(530) 633-2534
 
Target
1153 Butte House Road, Yuba City
(530) 671-6881
 
Toys R Us
700 W. Onstott Road, Yuba City
(530) 671-2223
 
Union Lumber
401 B Street, Marysville
(530) 743-4621
 
Verizon Wireless
(Also accepts cell phones and chargers)
1215 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City
(530) 674-8007
  
Walmart
1133 N. Beale Road, Marysville
(530) 634-9751
 
Walmart
1150 Harter Road, Yuba City
(530) 751-0130

Yuba-Sutter Household Hazardous Waste Facility
134 Burns Drive, Yuba City
(530) 743-6933
Saturdays Only for Yuba and Sutter County households, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
(For household generated batteries, up to 34 ounces (the size of a two pound coffee can) of consumer batteries and up to three (3) lead acid (car) batteries can be delivered at the same time. Businesses, non-profit and other organizations, please call for a weekday appointment and amounts.)

Other Common Batteries

Carbon Zinc, Alkaline & Rechargeable Alkaline
Flashlights, remote controls, toys, radios, smoke alarms and digital cameras.

Lithium
Cameras, pagers and keyless locks.

Zinc-Air
Hearing aids, pagers and computers (rechargeable).

Silver (button cell batteries)
Watches, calculators and hearing aids.

BatteriesPlus
1199 Butte House Road, Yuba City
(530) 671-9905
 
Yuba-Sutter Household Hazardous Waste Facility
134 Burns Drive, Yuba City
(530) 743-6933
Saturdays Only for Yuba and Sutter County households, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
(For household generated batteries, up to 34 ounces (the size of a two pound coffee can) of consumer batteries and up to three (3) lead acid (car) batteries can be delivered at the same time. Businesses, non-profit and other organizations, please call for a weekday appointment and amounts.)

Automotive Batteries

Lead-Acid (rechargeable)
Cars, trucks, boats and motorcycles.

Auto Parts Stores
Auto Zone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Sears and Walmart
 
Yuba-Sutter Household Hazardous Waste Facility
134 Burns Drive, Yuba City
(530) 743-6933
Saturdays Only for Yuba and Sutter County households, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
(For household generated batteries, up to three (3) lead acid (car) batteries can be delivered at the same time. Businesses, non- profit and other organizations, please call for a weekday appointment and amounts.) 

Safe Storage & Transportation of Batteries

A "dead" battery may appear to be no longer useful, but many still contain a residual charge. Even a battery that acts "dead" can short circuit if it comes in contact with metal, including another battery. If the short circuit occurs in the presence of paper or other combustibles a fire could result! To protect your property and health take these simple precautions:

• Store batteries for recycling separately from other recyclables in a plastic bucket, plastic bag, shoe box or non-metal container.
   
• Lithium (Li) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are particularly energetic and do not fully discharge. Isolate the contacts of each lithium battery by placing it in a separate plastic bag or placing duct tape over the contact of each battery.
   
• Store used batteries in the same packaging they came in. If storing used batteries with new ones, use a permanent pen to mark an "x" or a dot on the used ones.

Lead Acid Batteries (automotive):

Car, truck, motorcycle, boat and other motorized equipment use lead-acid batteries which require special handling and disposal. It is illegal to abandon or place lead-acid batteries in garbage cans or dumpsters. Retailers are required to accept spent lead-acid batteries as a trade-in with the purchase of a new one.

Always remember to:

• Store lead-acid batteries upright
   
• Transport damaged lead-acid batteries in a non-reactive secure container such as a plastic bucket or tub

How to Get the Most Out of Batteries

• Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Each rechargeable battery may substitute for hundreds of single use batteries over its lifetime.
   
• Purchase batteries only as you need them. Batteries have a limited shelf life and will lose their charge over time.
   
• Remove batteries from equipment that will be stored for long periods of time. Batteries left in equipment when not being used can leak, corrode and will eventually lose their charge and may not be usable when needed.
   
• Clean contact surfaces when installing batteries. Clean contact surfaces ensure a good connection and limit wasted power.
   
• Keep batteries in a cool, dry place. Heat can speed up the chemical reaction and shorten the battery's life. Damp environments can cause batteries to corrode.
   
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different kinds of batteries, or mix batteries with metal. Mixing new and used batteries shortens the life of the new battery. Mixing different kinds of batteries in the same equipment or using rechargeable with common disposable batteries may ruin the equipment, shorten the life of the batteries, or may even cause an explosion. Mixing batteries with other objects such as metal keys or coins can short-circuit the battery which can cause heat and sparks.
   
• Never recharge disposable batteries. Recharging disposable batteries can ruin the charger.
   
• Do not take apart or tamper with the case of a battery. You, your family and the environment may be exposed to hazardous materials inside the battery. Always handle batteries with care.
   
• Always recycle batteries properly. Proper recycling of spent batteries is good for everyone -- people, wildlife and the environment.

Rechargeable Batteries and Alternative Power Products

Rechargeable Batteries and a Battery Charger -- Devices powered by ordinary AAA, AA, C, D, and 9 Volt batteries can be powered by rechargeable batteries of those sizes. For a complete explanation, see Waste Prevention and Recycling Tools.

Look for Portable Electronic Devices that Do Not Use Batteries -- There are a few that use no batteries at all, but instead use a capacitor that is recharged, typically by shaking the device or by normal use. See Alternative Power Products for details.