Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries in the state of Tennessee can be safely disposed of as stated in  The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act - Public Law 104-142 passed in 1996. The Act determined that mercury-containing batteries were not to be produced anymore. Alkaline batteries produced today contain no mercury or acid and can safely be discarded in the trash. Alkaline batteries are corrosive but do not contain acid, as the battery solution is a base. Therefore, they are called alkaline batteries. Batteries with the recycle symbol SHOULD NOT be placed in regular recycle containers but managed separately as a SPECIAL RECYCLED COMMODITY.

Terminals do not need to be taped on alkaline batteries since these are one-charge batteries and cannot be recharged. There are lithium batteries that are one-time uses and are called Lithium Primary Batteries. These are used in small household appliances, flashlights, radios, and other items. They come in a range of sizes from AA to button batteries and it is highly advised that you look at your batteries before adding them to your waste stream. Lithium batteries of any kind do not go into your household waste/trash; they must be recycled separately from other batteries. More information about lithium battery management is listed in the section on lithium batteries.

Alkaline battery terminals must be taped with a non-conductive material if the battery is over 9 volts so that the terminals do not contact other battery terminals. 6 and 9-volt batteries with terminals on the same end should also be taped.  Here are some examples:

  • Electrical tape
  • Packing tape
  • Duct tape

* If batteries are going to be sent to a recycler, try not to cover the entire battery so that sorters can determine the type.

This Page Last Updated: January 29, 2025 at 12:31 PM