Battery Recycling
UT Dallas has expanded the battery recycling program to better engage faculty and staff. Previous efforts for battery recycling were either limited to a few buildings or required an online request for pickup. In order to make battery recycling more convenient for faculty and staff, this new program has placed over 40 used battery collection containers across campus.
Batteries containing corrosive materials and heavy metals that can contaminate the environment should not be discarded in regular trash. They should instead be collected in the campus’s new battery collection containers. By doing so, UT Dallas staff and faculty are diverting these hazardous substances from landfills.
Why recycle batteries?
- Most batteries contain toxic heavy metals that can harm the environment.
- Most batteries contain reusable materials.
- Used batteries can be used to produce energy.
- Recycling batteries reduces landfill waste.
Which batteries can I recycle?
- All battery types and sizes can be accepted.
- Most common types are: Alkaline, Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Lithium metal (Li).
- Most common sizes are: AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt, button, cell phone, and laptop batteries.
- We also accept lead-acid batteries typically found in cars or UPS’s. However, these batteries do require a special request.
Where can I find battery recycling bins?
We have made it easy for all faculty, staff, and resident students to participate. There are over 40 locations where used batteries can be recycled throughout the campus and residence halls.
Click here to find the nearest location to you.
Please keep in mind that the battery recycling is meant to service campus activities only. Batteries frequently used in offices, labs, and residence halls are welcome. If you wish to further your environmental impact at home, many cities and retailers employ specialty recycling programs that will take used batteries.
What steps do I need to take to recycle my batteries?
Preparing your batteries to be recycled takes only a few steps:
- Tape the terminals or ends of the batteries. This reduces the risk of fire by preventing batteries from coming into contact with other batteries or any metal. (Tape is included with the collection container.) Please tape in such a way that the type of battery is still visible. Another option is to place similar batteries either individually or side by side in clear plastic bags so that the ends do not touch.
- Place covered batteries in the designated container and close the lid. The battery recycling containers are emptied quarterly. Lead-acid batteries, and other larger batteries that do not fit in the container, should be requested for pick-up by the Hazardous Waste team. Send requests to the Hazardous Waste team or visit the Hazardous Waste information page.
For more information on battery recycling, see our FAQ section.