I have a small bucket of used batteries. Where can I dispose of them? I thought I could drop them off with the Glendale Heights public works, but no go. They stopped that program.

Buy new batteries, put the old ones in the package and return them to the store and tell them they don't work very well.

Um... no, wrong answer!

If they're modern flashlight batteries (AA,AAA,C,D cells, etc.) — meaning manufactured in the past ten years or so — you can safely put them in the trash.

If they're “button” batters — the type that look like small silver coins — Radio Shack will take them. Same for old rechargeable NiCads that have outlived their usefulness. —Ted E.

Holy C&@p! I didn't know that. Thanks Ted - Again. You come through on everything.

I read it on the internet. It must be true.

There are environmentalists who would argue with the fact that “flashlight”battery chemistry has improved dramatically in the past decade. It has... but those batteries still contain some undesirable chemicals.

But — since they're so much better than before — few, if any, means of “proper” disposal remain. So we have little choice but to chuck 'em out with the garbage, knowing that they now meet minimum standards. It's not a perfect solution... but if we stopped sending everything to the dump that was on the “maybe” list, well, landfills would be filled with nothing but banana peels.

Waitaminnit... we're supposed to compost banana peels. (And anyway, I've tried them in my flashlight and they don't work very well.) —Ted E.

I know Lincoln Grade school collects used batteries with the PTA as well as other items. I believe I've see the collection of these in the school office. From the Lincoln Log newsletter:

"The Environment Ambassadors are organizing and promoting three ongoing school-wide recycling
programs – pop-tops; used batteries and used ink cartridges."

Try Soukups. They take my old cf bulb, I believe the recycle batteries too.

tryNaperville Hazardous Waste

quote:

..Naperville Hazardous Waste...

Nice idea in principle, but (realistically) way too far away, inconvenient and time-consuming for most Glen Ellynites to use. —Ted E.

quote:

Originally posted by Ted E.:

quote:

..Naperville Hazardous Waste...

Nice idea in principle, but (realistically) way too far away, inconvenient and time-consuming for most Glen Ellynites to use. —Ted E.

That should be her decision. Wouldn't you agree?

Thanks for thinking of me Ted!

Wow, I had no idea there were all of these options! I've been throwing them in the trash! From now on we'll be recycling them, too!

P.S. (ish)

Lupe, your signatures crack me up!

GESM2. If you are posting from your work place I suggest you clear your browsing history and cookies at the end of each day. I wouldn't want to see a single mom fired for unauthorized use of the company computer.

quote:

Originally posted by Graham:

quote:

Originally posted by Ted E.:

quote:

..Naperville Hazardous Waste...

Nice idea in principle, but (realistically) way too far away, inconvenient and time-consuming for most Glen Ellynites to use. —Ted E.

That should be her decision. Wouldn't you agree?

I say do your part for the environment and take them to the Naperville Disposal Center. While you’re at it bring anything from the following list:

 Automotive fluids (including oil, gasoline, and anti-freeze)
 Batteries (including automotive and sump pump)
 Cleaning products, drain openers
 Fertilizers
 Flammables
 Herbicides
 Insecticides
 Fluorescent bulbs, CFL's
 Mercury
 Mineral spirits, strippers, solvents
 Paints and stains (oil based and alkyd only)
 Prescription medications
 Propane tanks (20 lbs or less)
 Thermostats
 Unknown hazardous substances

To make the trip worthwhile after you are done go to the Spicy Pickle for lunch. IMHO one of the best fast food restaurants EVER. Menu

Spicy Pickle 1316 North Rte. 59 Naperville
Hazardous Waste Drop Off Fire Station #4, 1979 Brookdale Road, Naperville

Perplexed, I didn't know there's a Spicy Pickle in Naperville! Thanks for the heads up!

Graham: I appreciate your suggestion. Thank you for offering it.