Batteries
Not all batteries are the same and some require specific instructions to ensure each type of battery is properly discarded
or recycled. Some batteries do contain toxic heavy metals that can include nickel cadmium, alkaline, mercury, nickel metal hydride and lead acid. It is these elements that can threaten human health and the environment if not properly discarded.
BATTERY RECYCLING FOR TCNJ COMMUNITY ONLY:
- BSC Info Desk – Bring your TCNJ identification card
Alkaline Batteries:
The Mercury Reduction Act has removed all mercury from the alkaline type batteries. These are the single use, most common battery type. Because of the mercury reduction, some landfill bans of alkaline batteries and recycling programs taking them have ceased. We can still accept these at our campus battery recycling container locations.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd): Check to make sure the place of purchase can take your old ones!
These batteries are generally the rechargeable batteries. All NiCd batteries are identified as hazardous waste and must be recycled.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion:
Check to make sure the place of purchase can take your old ones!
These batteries are commonly used in laptops. They are considered non-hazardous waste, but do contain heavy metals that can be recycled.
Button Cell:
Check to make sure the place of purchase can take your old ones!
These are the round batteries that are commonly used in hearing aids, calculators and watches. These batteries contain silver, mercury and other elements that are considered hazardous.
Sealed Lead-Based:
Check to make sure the place of purchase can take your old ones!
Sealed lead batteries should be recycled, as they contain hazardous materials and elements that can be reused.
Specialized Waste – Batteries – TCNJ Purchased Items
All batteries, with the exception of alkaline, are considered a type of hazardous waste called universal waste. As such, all batteries that are not alkaline should be kept separate for hazardous waste collection.
Please report these wastes to the Lab Safety Manager for proper disposal.
Specialized Waste – Batteries – Not TCNJ Purchased
The following information is for all students, faculty, and staff either living on or off campus. Please be advised that you are considered residents of the location of your permanent address. Should your permanent address be on campus, you are considered a resident of Ewing Township/Mercer County (for the purposes of waste disposal) while living on campus. Otherwise, you are redirected to the county where your permanent address is located for proper waste disposal.
Batteries other than alkaline contain heavy metals that are toxic to human health and the environment. As such, these items have special handling and disposal requirements. For most personal purchases the store where you purchased the battery may take the old one when purchasing a new one. If not, you can check your county website to see if the material is accepted within their Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Collection.
Specialized Waste – Light bulbs – TCNJ Purchased Items
For education on the types of bulbs that are regulated, please refer to this section of training, TCNJ_Used Bulbs. Please contact the EHS Lab Manager for proper handling and storage instructions should your area be generating light bulbs.
Most light bulbs and/or tubes aside from incandescent bulbs contain mercury or other toxic gases that have special handling and disposal requirements. As such, these bulbs are disposed of through a special waste vendor managed by EHS. Mercury-containing items are considered Universal Waste, a type of Hazardous Waste. Please report these wastes to the EHS Lab Manager.
Specialized Waste – Light Bulbs – Not TCNJ Purchased
Most light bulbs and/or tubes aside from incandescent bulbs contain mercury or other gases that have special handling and disposal requirements. As such, these bulbs are not to be disposed of using the College’s bulk trash.
Some stores allow you to return old bulbs when purchasing new ones. If not, please check your county website to see if the material is accepted within their Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Collection.