Ask a Librarian: Where to recycle batteries?

Today Adult Services Librarian Barbara Henry was on the Wood Library Reference Desk when someone called wanting to know if the library recycles household batteries. Sorry, we don't. We do collect and recycle cell phones and computer ink cartridges. Since Americans purchase over four billion dry cell batteries every year--this is an important question and we've got the answer.

You can get a printable Household Battery Fact Sheet from the NY Department of Environmental Conservation website. It tells how to dispose of different types of batteries. Several battery types can be disposed of in regular garbage. Others are hazardous and need to be recycled. For more information, contact Ontario County Recycling Manager, Ontario County Recycling Office, 3555 Post Farm Road, Stanley, NY 14561 or call (585) 526-4420.

The following stores recycle batteries - call first and ask. Check your local telephone directory or the company's website to find the store nearest you: Staples, Sears Hardware, Home Depot, Target, Walmart, Verizon Wireless and Cingular.