Did you know? Alkaline or disposable batteries (purchased most frequently in sizes AAA, AA, C, and D) are not considered by the City of South Portland to be hazardous waste nor recyclable and, therefore, they are acceptable for disposal in the green trash bins. However, these batteries contain the metals manganese and zinc. If you’d like to keep these metals out of landfills or incinerators, there are options for battery recycling. Select Staples locations participate in a single use (alkaline and button batteries) and rechargeable battery recycling programs in partnership with Call2Recycle. The nearest participating Staples is located in the Falmouth Village Shopping Mall. Check in with a Staples employee before placing your batteries in their collection boxes.
Not sure what kind of battery you have or need help? Contact ecomaine at info@ecomaine.org for more information. Make sure your batteries do not contain the words “rechargeable” or “lithium ion” before placing them in your trash bin. These rechargeable batteries are considered electronic waste and can result in fires in the trash truck or at the waste facility when combined with the regular trash stream.
You can find out more information about battery recycling on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Battery Recycling website.