Every year, National Battery Day on February 18 highlights the role batteries play in daily life. Batteries are essential for a range of devices, from simple tools like flashlights and remotes to critical safety equipment such as smoke detectors and Automated External Defibrillators.
Despite their importance, improper handling and disposal of batteries can pose risks to both people and the environment. According to information from Prince William County, batteries contain chemicals and metals including alkaline, silver-oxide, nickel, metal-hydride, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, and zinc-carbon. When disposed of in regular trash, these materials can leak into groundwater at landfill sites and may cause fires during transport or processing.
The county advises that “proper battery disposal not only prevents pollution, but it also conserves landfill space and saves metals and minerals that can be recycled and used in new products.” Residents are encouraged to prepare batteries for recycling by covering the positive terminal with masking tape or returning them to their original packaging before storage or transport. Storing used batteries in a plastic pail or cardboard box is recommended over using a metal container.
Prince William County residents can bring used batteries to the Landfill or Compost Facility during normal operating hours for safe disposal and recycling. Electronic items such as televisions, laptops, and mobile phones can be dropped off at the Landfill on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Program between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Several retailers—including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Staples, Batteries Plus, and Interstate Battery—offer battery-recycling programs. Online resources like Earth 911 and Call2Recycle provide additional options for finding drop-off locations or mail-in recycling services.
As residents prepare for Daylight Saving Time on March 8 by changing smoke detector batteries and other safety device power sources, they are reminded to dispose of old batteries properly.
For further details about recycling or disposing of more than 300 items in Prince William County, residents can consult the A-to-Z Disposal Guide at www.pwcva.gov/disposalguide.
