Improper disposal of household batteries accounts for much of the heavy metals found in the soil, ground and surface water.
Recyclable batteries can be found in devices such as cell phones, cordless phones, pagers, computers, cameras, radios, watches, hearing aids, appliances and power tools.
Some examples of recyclable batteries are:
Nickel-cadmium - look for “n-cd,” “cd” or “nickel cadmium” with recycling arrows on the battery.
Small sealed lead-acid - look for “pb,” “lead” or “sealed lead” on the label.
Lithium - look for “lithium” on the label.
Button - shaped like a button or a coin.
These items may be taken to the Sarasota County Transfer Station free of charge. They may be left in containers at the Public Works Department, 221 S. Seaboard Ave., and Radio Shack in the TJ Max Shopping Center on U.S. 41 Bypass, in which to leave recyclable batteries.
All alkaline batteries may be thrown in the regular garbage.
