Batteries gone bust
Rechargeable batteries should not be disposed of in regular household waste, and neither should cellphones. For a simple solution, visit www.call2recycle.org to find a location near you where these products can be handled. Type in your ZIP code for a list of stores and their contact information.
Call2Recycle® is a program of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, a not-for-profit organization promoting environmental sustainability by providing free battery and cellphone recycling in North America as part of its efforts to advance green business practices. New York has a disposal ban covering all types of rechargeable batteries. This includes Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), and Small Sealed Lead Acid (Pb).
Retailers that sell rechargeable batteries are required to provide collection and recycling of these batteries for recycling, reuse or proper disposal at no cost to the consumer.
Taking care of electronics
For information on how to recycle your old computers, TVs, monitors, keyboards, video game consoles, printers and many other types of consumer electronic waste, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation site at www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/66872.html. Under state law, manufacturers of certain electronic equipment are required to take back a range of electronic waste for recycling or reuse.
The list of manufacturers registered in New York state includes brands of covered electronic equipment, along with a toll-free telephone number. Specific instructions for recycling equipment free of charge are listed on each manufacturer's website.
Recycling options may include mailing back products, community collection events, or fixed collection locations.
The DEC site also includes information for educators to share with students about the importance of proper recycling of today's consumer electronic equipment. Proper recycling saves landfill space and prevents burning in waste-to-energy facilities. The highly recyclable materials in electronic equipment would otherwise require mining of virgin materials to meet consumer demands.