Are used alkaline batteries taking up space in desk drawers or office supply areas because you’re unsure how to dispose of them? The Office of Environmental Health and Safety has the answer — toss them.

Alkaline batteries are not considered hazardous waste and have very little commercial recycling value. They can be disposed of with regular trash.

The UO recycles rechargeable batteries and single-use lithium batteries because they are considered hazardous waste and have some commercial value in recovering the metal used in the manufacturing. Environmental Health and Safety continues to pick up rechargeable batteries regularly and by request to http://ehs.uoregon.edu/hazardous-waste or 6-3192.

 “We appreciate our campus’ dedication to recycling and to following our hazardous waste procedures, but alkaline batteries can be disposed of without checking with us first,” said Craig Biersdorff, hazardous waste specialist. “Since 1996, Oregon law has required that batteries sold in this state cannot contain mercury. Alkaline batteries haven’t contained mercury for many years and aren’t a hazardous waste.”

An important aspect of reducing waste is making informed decisions before purchases, notes Biersdorff. His recommendation is for individuals and departments to commit to purchasing rechargeable batteries and discontinue use of alkaline batteries. 

“Rechargeable batteries can be used for multiple years rather than single-use alkalines and are better aligned with sustainability goals of campus,” he said.