Does anyone have ideas for how to properly dispose of old alkaline batteries? With two little ones and loads of toys requiring batteries, I am constantly replacing them. I know places that take rechargeable batteries but not disposable alkaline. I try to be Earth friendly but I simply need too many batteries to use solely rechargeable ones. Alkaline batteries leak mercury and other toxins into our ground water so where can I take them for recycling? I researched and came up with nothing. CA requires recycling as do our European friends but not here in IL. Thoughts?
I collect them in a big bag.Ikea has a recyceling program
for batteries,I myself have to look around,too if there are other places outthere.
I believe Fedex Kinkos has a battery recycling bin.
Try Walgreens - Home Depot
Hi, you can go to http://www.batteryrecycling.com/ and check things out there. There is a cost to it, but I figure it's worth it, I don't have to leave my home looking for places and it helps out by being green.
I know the Chicago Public Library has tubes in the main hallway to collect them. I am sure of Sulzer on Lincoln and Montrose.Hope this helps
Home Depot and most hardware stores like Ace have bins for batteries that need to be recycled. We had the same problem! for collection at home we have a gallon tub from ice cream that our son decorated, we reused a recycleable tub. Yeah for the planet!!!
The Chicago public library offers battery recycling and I believe some Walgreens stores do too.
Oswego park district collects them and I think most fire departments will take them once a month on a set day.
Here is a link I found at Kane County's website. They do free pickup, you just have to call to schedule, though it IS dependent on where you live. I'm glad you asked this question, I save my batteries to take either to my daughter's school or clinic (therapy) where they recycle batteries on their own or IKEA. But I'm gonna try this Kane County one, since they pick up AND they do more than just batteries! Like all the old motor oil hubby never seems to take somewhere for disposal!!!
Lincoln Park Zoo has a place where you can recycle your old batteries- it's in the information booth/building right by the main entrance from the parking lot. We always take ours there, and I think if you pull into the lot, the first 20 minutes of parking is free!
I take mine to Naperville Fire Station #4 (I believe). It's right off of Rt. 59.
Batteries Plus at 409 S Rand will take them. You may want to reconsider the thought that you need too many batteries to use only rechargable. It will be far cheaper in the long run and if your children have so many toys they won't miss being able to use one whilst the batteries recharge.
I just found out a few weeks back that I can but a ziplock bag full of old batteries on top of my garbage can during day of pick up and they will seperately receycle it.
Call your village and find out, if that is an option.
Thanks for caring to keep the planet clean.
In the Loop, there is a Radio Shack at Clark/Adams that collects them. I've also gone to the Ace Hardware at Clark/Wellington in Lakeview.
I'm not sure if there are any near you..but I always save up my batteries and take them to Battteries Plus, and they will recycle them! Hope that helps. Also, you can go to Earth 911, if you google it and you may also find a place to recycle them by you.
Here are a couple of articles that tell you your options....
in addition, my aldreman has a program.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6096368
Recycle Your Batteries
Participate in the City's household battery recycling program at all Chicago Public Libraries and Walgreen's stores. By recycling your batteries you will help keep these materials out of the waste stream and the battery components will be reclaimed for reuse.
All common dry cell batteries can be recycled, including alkaline, rechargeable, and other common types.
This recycling program includes most batteries used in the home both disposal & rechargeable, including:
Alkaline Batteries, these are the typical disposable batteries, Duracell, Energizer, Ever Ready
Lithium Batteries, these are typically found in cameras
All Button Type Batteries, often found in watches and smaller electronic devices
Wet cell batteries, like car batteries, can not be recycled through this program.
Funding for the City of Chicago's battery recycling program has been provided in part through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
What:
Try out the City's battery recycling program.
Where:
Chicago Public Libraries - Chicago Public Library Branch List
Walgreens Stores - Walgreen's Store Locator
Containers are also located at:
The Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility, 1150 N. North Branch Street
95th Street Red Line station
Jefferson Park Blue Line station
I am pretty sure Target had a drop off box at their video counter (where you see the tv's) that you can drop off old batteries. Maybe check with WalMart too. Otherwise I'd put them in a baggie and wait for the annual recycle event with the guys who pick up the garbage to get rid of them.
Check with your local Walgreens. They have a battery recycling program set up at a lot of their stores. Usually by the photo desk.
Jenny
I save mine up until we go to the Peggy Notebaert museum - they have a battery recycling bin at the entrance.