Be Battery Smart

Batteries are everyday essentials.

All batteries, however, can be a hidden household hazard. Batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, nickel, lithium, and cadmium that are harmful to the environment and pose a risk to human health. If improperly installed, charged, stored, used, or damaged, batteries can catch fire or explode. If swallowed, batteries can cause injuries and death.

Be aware. Take care. Here are 6 tips to be battery smart:

1. Always read and follow instructions on battery packaging.
2. Store in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children.
3. Don't take battery-operated items to bed. Burns and other injuries can occur if the batteries leak or overheat during the night.
4. Be mindful of toys that might contain button or coin batteries.
5. Never place batteries in your household garbage.
6. Recycle properly.

Learn more: Be Battery Safe at Home.

Where to Properly Recycle Batteries

Recycling is the preferred option for the end-of-life management of all batteries. South Carolina's residents have several options, with more recycling infrastructure on the way.

• Many South Carolina counties have household hazardous material collection programs and/or single-day collection events that accept certain types of batteries – both single-use and rechargeable. To determine if your community has access to a program or event, visit RecycleHereSC. 
• Rechargeable batteries can be properly recycled at major retailers (e.g., Lowe’s, Best Buy, The Home Depot) that participate in the Call2Recycle program. The program is free to residents and accepts Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and Nickle Zinc (Ni-ZN) as well as small lead-acid batteries. To find a recycling location near you visit Call2Recycle.
• Rechargeable batteries can be properly recycled at Batteries Plus Bulbs retail locations. To find a recycling location, visit Batteries Plus.
• Single-use batteries weighing up to 11 pounds including AA, AAA, 9V, C, D, button cells, and small lead-acid batteries can be recycled through the Call2Recycle program at limited locations of participating retailers.
   

Resources

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a comprehensive overview of used household batteries here.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics provides a lithium coin battery home safety walk-through here.
• EPA offers a comprehensive overview of lithium-ion batteries here.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation provides safety information on traveling with batteries, which can be found here.
• Additional information on the potential risk of button or coin batteries to children is available here.
• Learn more about the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) here.
• DHEC is also a supporter of Call2Recycle’s Avoid the Spark: Be Battery Safety Smart consumer outreach campaign that provides additional information and material.