There are many different types of batteries. Alkaline batteries can be put in the trash, but other types contain heavy metals that pose hazards to our health and environment and must be recycled.
The Recycling and Solid Waste Committee (RSWC) carries out a free battery recycling and disposal program for Shutesbury residents. Five-gallon buckets in the basement of Town Hall are labeled to receive rechargeable and other recyclable batteries and to receive florescent light ballasts as well as thermometers and thermostats containing mercury.
Lead Acid batteries from cars, trucks, golf carts, motorcycles, etc., must be recycled by law. Recycling programs are available at auto supply stores.
IN THE TRASH (at home)
Alkaline batteries, the most common household batteries, are available in many sizes and shapes such as AAA, AA, C, D and non-rechargeable 9-volt (9V). Alkaline batteries manufactured since 1996 do not contain mercury or other hazardous materials and they should be put in the trash.
Check all batteries carefully before you put them in the trash, as some non-alkaline batteries resemble alkaline batteries. For instance, some Lithium batteries, such as the AA size or short-and-fat lithium batteries used in cameras, resemble alkaline batteries. Single-use lithium batteries have the word “lithium” printed on the battery and should be recycled properly in the rechargeable buckets in Town Hall.
Carbon Zinc and Zinc Chloride batteries may be disposed of in the trash.
IN RECHARGEABLE BATTERY BUCKETS (at Town Hall)
Rechargeable batteries are found in various electronics and appliances that require recharging, namely, in mobile/cordless phones, laptop computers, tablets/iPads, power tools, some toys, digital cameras, in rechargeable toothbrushes, razors, and flashlights, and in handheld vacuum cleaners. Many electronic devices can be recycled for free at Staples in Hadley. (Items that can and cannot be recycled at Staples are listed here.) Batteries in rechargeable devices contain heavy metals and they should always be recycled, never thrown in the trash.
First, check the abbreviation written on the battery to make sure it is a rechargeable battery.
Next, cover both terminals with electrical tape before putting the battery in the bucketto prevent starting a fire. (Electrical tape is available at Town Hall near the battery buckets if you don’t have any at home.)
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)rechargeable 9V batteries
Nickel Zinc (NiZn) batteries
Lithium and Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery
Small Sealed Lead (Pb) batteries.
Button batteries are the small, round silver batteries found in watches, clocks, calculators, hearing aids, toys, remote car locks, flameless “flicker candles,” electric fence dog collars, singing greeting cards, and singing balloons. Many button batteries contain mercury and must be disposed of properly.
~ adapted with permission from a Franklin County Solid Waste Management District article (7/2025)
