If you accidentally break open a AA battery, how should you clean it up?

Question

When broken, are all the contents in liquid form, or are any poisonous vapors released that might be inhaled? Also, how should it be cleaned up? I just scooped it up in a paper towel and chucked it in the trash, then put the trash bag in the dumpster. Is that fine?

Answer 1

A standard alkaline battery doesn't contain any heavy metals or anything like that.  Federal regulations say they can be disposed of in normal household garbage.  Local requirements may be more strict.  No poisonous vapors are released and the contents are a paste rather than a liquid.  The way you cleaned it up is just fine.