What should I do with my used batteries?
Batteries should be recycled rather than thrown away. WSU's Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) program accepts, at no charge, all types of batteries (including alkaline, lead acid, nickel cadmium, lithium and mercury). The batteries are recycled to recover the heavy metals and other hazardous components. Batteries from university equipment or departments may be recycled in two different ways.
EH&S has worked with many departments to establish centralized containers where all batteries for recycling may be placed. If you do not know where you centralized container is or would like to establish one, please contact EH&S, 335-3041. The containers provided by EH&S have a label affixed that reads “Universal Waste Batteries and Accumulation Start Date: XX/YY/ZZ”. The lid to the container must be sealed when not putting batteries in. Also, EH&S must recycle the batteries within one year of the Accumulation Start Date. If we supply your container we will annually go to your location, pick up the batteries and relabel your container. If you fill your container please contact EH&S at 335-3041.
If you do not want a container, it is easy to arrange a collection. Just fill out a Chemical Collection Request form (CCR) on line.
Batteries from home or personal equipment may be recycled locally. The Whitman County transfer station and Moscow Recycling both take some household batteries for recycling. Moscow Recycling will accept car batteries as well. For further information and drop off locations, contact:
Whitman County transfer station: 334-2400
Moscow Recycling: 882-2925
If you have any further questions regarding battery recycling, please call 335-3041.