In December, Teton Valley Community Recycling (TVCR) experimented with offering battery recycling receptacles in convenient locations around town. Within two weeks, we collected 180 pounds of used batteries which were transported to the Recycling Center for proper disposal. The cool thing about batteries is that 95-100% of the material can be fully recycled.
It is important for all of us to recycle batteries instead of throwing them in the trash because batteries contain toxic heavy metals and acids that can leach into groundwater if they end up in the landfill. It is also a waste of resources as all of these metals are reusable.
RAD Curbside has always collected batteries if you have recycling service, just put the batteries in a small baggie and they will be recycled for you. You can also bring your batteries to the Transfer Station during open hours and deliver them to the green building. Self-haul recycling is free up to 350 pounds.
Our pilot program demonstrated that many people stock-pile their dead batteries but haven’t made it out to the transfer station and don’t subscribe to RAD. In cooperation with several local businesses, we have established battery recycling drop off locations at places you likely visit most weeks. Look for the battery recycling buckets at:
- Broulim’s (entrance next to plastic bag recycling)
- Valley Lumber & Rental (by the front door)
- Ace Hardware (give used batteries to clerk at register)
- Geotourism Center (open 24 hours near front desk)
Please deliver your used batteries to any of these locations during open hours. Do not put them in plastic or tape them. Just plain batteries without packaging, please. All types of batteries are accepted for recycling. They are picked up by our e-waste hauler, R.O.M. out of Idaho Falls. These batteries are then processed in a hammer mill that breaks them into component parts. Metals are extracted for reuse in batteries and other items. Acids are removed and neutralized. The process of recycling prevents these dangerous chemicals from turning into leachate and contaminating ground water.
It is estimated that 3 billion batteries are thrown away each year by Americans. If you can take the time to properly recycle your portion of these batteries, it will make a difference in saving resources, energy, and space in landfills as well as containing and reusing potentially toxic pollutants.
For more detailed information about how batteries get recycled, visit batterysolutions.com.
If you have any questions or concerns about recycling locally in Teton County, Idaho, please contact Teton County Community Recycling at (206) 484-7354 or tetonrecycling@gmail.com
