NEW FEDERAL RULE CHANGES ON HOUSEHOLD BATTERY RECYCLING
On February 1, 2010 new US Department of Transportation regulations about the disposal of dry-cell batteries throughout the United States went into effect. Because dry-cell batteries can short circuit and catch fire while being transported, the USDOT will require enclosing each hazardous dry-cell battery in a plastic bag to cover its terminals prior to transport.
Typical household alkaline batteries AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt also fall below federal and state hazardous waste standards as a result of compliance with state and federal rules requiring the reduction of hazardous content in the production of batteries.
In accordance with these federal rule changes, the disposal of batteries in Ocean County and Long Beach Township will be as follows:
Alkaline (use-once) non-rechargeable, non-hazardous dry-cell batteries (AAA,AA,C,D and 9-volt) should be thrown away in the regular household trash.
Rechargeable batteries and button size (use-once) hazardous batteries should be taken to Ocean County Southern Recycling Center in Stafford 609-978-0913 and the County will provide bags for individual batteries. The center is located at 379 Haywood Road in Manahawkin.
Rechargeable batteries can also be taken to the following retail locations: Best Buy, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Verizon Wireless. A collection box with bags will be provided for disposal.
Rechargeable batteries can be found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders and remote control toys.
Go to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste website for more information at www.co.ocean.nj.us or by calling 732-506-5047. The County hotline is 1-800-55-RECYCLE
