Recycling Batteries and Light Bulbs

Proper disposal of batteries and light bulbs is essential for protecting the environment and ensuring community safety. Both items contain materials that can be hazardous if not handled correctly, but they also offer valuable resources that can be recovered and reused.

🔋 Battery Recycling

Why Recycle Batteries?

• Prevents fire hazards in landfills and waste facilities.

• Batteries contain metals like lead, cadmium, lithium, and mercury that can contaminate soil and water.
• Recycling recovers valuable materials such as steel, zinc, and nickel.

Types of Batteries Accepted

• Household batteries: AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button cells-these are safe to dispose of in your household trash, but we also can recycle them.
• Rechargeable batteries: Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium-ion (Li-ion)-In Iowa it is illegal to dispose of rechargeable batteries in the landfill- we take these at our facility for free.
• Specialty batteries: Lead-acid (car, motorcycle, lawn equipment)-In Iowa it is illegal to dispose lead acid batteries in the landfill.  We accept these free here at our facility for recycling.

How to Recycle

• Drop off at our facility- stop in the office for instructions.  Recycling batteries is a free service.
• Many retailers (hardware, electronics, auto parts stores) offer battery recycling bins.
• Tape terminals of lithium and 9V batteries to prevent short-circuiting.

💡 Light Bulb Recycling

Why Recycle Light Bulbs?

• Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury.
• Recycling prevents mercury release and recovers glass, aluminum, and phosphor powder.
• LED bulbs contain electronic components that can be reused.

Types of Bulbs Accepted

• Fluorescent tubes
• CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps)
• LED bulbs
• Halogen bulbs (check local guidelines)

How to Recycle

• Bring bulbs to our facility for recycling.  Residential bulbs are free, and businesses/Farms are required to pay the fee per EPA Rules.  We will determine the waste generator status when you arrive.
• Some retailers accept CFLs and LEDs for recycling.
• Handle fluorescent tubes carefully to avoid breakage.

Safety Tips

• Never throw batteries or bulbs in household trash or recycling bins.  Batteries can cause fires and bulbs release dangerous gas or mercury.
• Store used batteries in a non-metal container until recycling.
• Place bulbs in protective packaging before transport.

Community Benefits

• Reduces environmental pollution.
• Conserves natural resources.
• Promotes safe and sustainable waste management.

By recycling batteries and light bulbs responsibly, you help create a cleaner, safer community while conserving valuable resources.