Batteries: Alkaline
Alkaline batteries are hard to recycle. The best local option for battery recycling is BatteriesPlus in Roanoke, which takes virtually every kind of household battery. Staples and Best Buy stores also take alkaline batteries. Other fee-based mail-in options include Battery Recyclers of America, Call2Recycle, Cirba Solutions WeRecycle Battery Box, Terracycle Regulated Waste. Check each website for updated info and fees.
Preparation
Batteries need to be clean and not leaking. Many mail-in services require that batteries are either individually bagged or have the terminals taped. Check the website of the service you choose for current details. Please note that batteries are a fire hazard. They need to be handled with care. If carrying large quantities of batteries be sure to cover the terminals.
Locations
BatteriesPlus at Tanglewood
4014 Electric Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018
https://www.batteriesplus.com/store-locator/va/roanoke-tanglewood/batteries-plus-558
They may charge a fee to take alkaline batteries (typically AA and AAA) (540) 725-1271
BatteriesPlus at Valley View
4801 Valley View Blvd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
https://www.batteriesplus.com/store-locator/va/roanoke/batteries-plus-555
They may charge a fee to take alkaline batteries (typically AA and AAA) (540) 265-5788
Staples
4210 Electric Road Roanoke, VA 24018
https://stores.staples.com/va/roanoke/4210-electric-road
(540) 725-7313
Staples
4727 Valley View Blvd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
https://stores.staples.com/va/roanoke/4727-valley-view-blvd-nw
(540) 265-4860
Best Buy
105 Shoppers Way, Christiansburg, VA 24073
https://stores.bestbuy.com/va/christiansburg/105-shoppers-way-1149.html
(540) 382-9517
Resources
Battery Recyclers of America
Call2Recycle
Cirba Solutions WeRecycle Battery Box
Terracycle Regulated Waste
Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables#batteries
Additional Information
Alkaline batteries are no longer being recycled at SustainFloyd’s monthly Reuse/Recycle events. They contain toxic chemicals and must be disposed of safely through a battery recycling operation as listed above.
Lead acid car batteries must be returned to a car battery seller. It is illegal to put them in the trash. See more information here.
Alternatives
Rechargeable batteries are a safer and more sustainable alternative to alkaline batteries.
Last updated on October 28th, 2024