Rechargeable Batteries

Under the "New York State Rechargeable Battery Law" signed by the governor in December 2011, it is now illegal to toss rechargeable batteries in the trash in New York State. The New York State Rechargeable Battery Law requires battery collection by both local retailers and direct sellers of rechargeable batteries. Under this law, no person shall knowingly dispose of rechargeable batteries as solid waste at any time in the State. Rechargeable batteries contained in electronic products must be removed prior to disposal of such products.

The law gives consumers the opportunity to drop off rechargeable batteries at local retail stores. The law already requires battery manufacturers to provide for collection and recycling of rechargeable batteries in a statewide program at no cost to customers.

Rechargeable batteries contain toxic metals that can be released into the environment when not managed correctly. Rechargeable batteries covered by this law include batteries for laptops, cameras, cell phones, and rechargeable alkaline batteries.

If a person should dispose of rechargeable batteries as solid waste, they shall face fines. Any retailer who violates the law shall be liable for a civil penalty.

Watch the Rechargeable Batteries Video

Rechargeable Batteries can be brought to these locations for recycling (The Battery Network):

  • Walgreens - 208 Herkimer Road, Utica
  • Dollar Tree - 32 Auert Ave, Utica
  • Walmart - 710 Horatio Street, Utica
  • Lowe's - 710 Horatio Street, Utica
  • Dollar Tree - 1100 Mohawk Street, Utica
  • Utica Valley Electric Supply - 2415 West Whitesboro Street, Yorkville
  • JPJ Electronic Communications, Inc. - 1 West Whitesboro Street, Yorkville
  • Dollar Tree - 34 Oriskany Boulevard, Whitesboro
  • Yorkville Battery Inc. - 5152 Commercial Drive East, Yorkville
  • The Home Depot - 545 French Road, New Hartford
  • Staples - 4795 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
  • Walmart - 4765 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
  • Dollar Tree - 32 Kellogg Road, New Hartford
  • Dollar Tree - 4583 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
  • Lowe's - 4699 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford
  • Dollar Tree - 4 Central Plaza, Ilion
  • Walmart - 103 North Caroline Street, Herkimer
  • Lowe's - 182 Lowes Boulevard, Herkimer
  • Walgreen's - 1616 Black River Boulevard, Rome
  • Dollar Tree - 1895 Black River Boulevard North, Rome
  • Dollar Tree - 205 West Erie Boulevard, Rome
  • Walgreen's - 201 South James Street, Rome
  • Lowe's - 1230 Erie Boulevard West, Rome
  • Walmart - 5815 Rome Taberg Road, Rome

Household alkaline batteries should be placed in your trash for disposal. Previously, alkaline battery disposal posed environmental threat because of the mercury content. Since mercury has been phased out of battery production, single-use alkaline battery disposal has become simpler and safer and such items should be placed with your trash.

 

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