Disposing of used batteries

I'm sure you've seen the reminder to NOT put used batteries in the trash, but to take them to a hazardous waste drop-off site.

If you're a little like me, being environmentally conscious (but not a nutcase, ok!) and having worked for a groundwater management agency, so I'm more aware than most that what goes in the trash goes in a landfill, and what is in a landfill can eventually seep into our drinking water supply, you--I mean, I feel extreme guilt, or maybe just a passing twinge every time you--I mean, I throw used batteries in the trash (yes, I have committed this trespass against the environment, many times...we use batteries like crazy in kids' toys). Sorry to those who use rechargeable batteries, but I've used them and I don't have the time or inclination at this time in my life to keep track of a charger and multiple sizes of batteries...sort of like how I now use paper napkins at home when I used to use cloth napkins for every meal until we had our second child.

Anyway....am I going to go to the hazardous waste dump site every time I have four AA batteries to get rid of? Thankfully, I don't live next door to a dump site, so it's not that convenient. Here's what I do instead.

I cut a slit in the top of an empty plastic milk jug (that's been rinsed out, or use a water jug) and put the "dead" batteries in it every time I replace batteries. The "dead battery" milk jug is in my laundry room, doesn't take up much space, but holds many years' worth of dead batteries. So when I have a quantity of "real" hazardous waste like paint cans or a dead TV, I just bring along the milk jug and leave that at the hazardous waste dump too. Here's a picture of our dead battery milk jug, which has about 4 inches of batteries in the bottom and has been in use for about a year and a half. I think I'm going to buy a half-gallon plastic jug of milk so I can use an even smaller container, since the full gallon holds SO many batteries.

No used batteries in our trash! That works for me, I hope it works for you. Here are more of my tips, and go to Shannon's site for more interesting tips from others.