Recycling my old battery from my computer?

Question

I'm going to buy a new battery for my laptop and I was wondering if its possible to recycle the old battery instead of throwing it away. Also, I have a Dell laptop if that helps any.

Answer 1

If you order your new battery from Dell, ask about recycling.  I found a page where it says that Dell recycles batteries, but when I went to the specifics, batteries were not mentioned.  This is a question and answer (by CeCarl) on the Dell forum that I cut and pasted: It's from 2002, so I would check with Dell directly.  Also, www.batteriesplus.com will recycle rechargeable batteries.  

Where can I send my Dell Latitude or Inspiron battery in order to be properly disposed of or recycled?  

Problem

In order to properly dispose of a portable battery, it must be sent to a recycling/disposal facility.

Discussion

Portable electronic batteries contain certain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if the batteries are disposed of improperly.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries be sent to a recycling/disposal facility once the battery lifespan has ended.

Solution

Ship the battery using sturdy packaging that will protect the battery from damage during shipment.

NOTE:  For additional information on shipping and labeling requirements, as well as battery disposal law, refer to the following:

http://www.rbrc.org/

http://www.dell.com/us/en/gen/services/a... (this link does not work)

Batteries in need of recycling/disposing can be sent to:

Dell Computer Corp

Attn: Battery Disposal

Walnut Creek 4

8619 Wall Street, Suite 400

Austin, TX 78754

Again, check with Dell first.

Answer 2

You could always do a google search for recycling laptop batteries, http://www.rbrc.org/call2recycle/ then do a search to find a drop off site in your town.

Answer 3

Even if you can't find a place to recycle them, take comfort in the fact that lithium ion batteries do not contain toxic chemicals. They are safer to throw in the trash than regular flashlight batteries. All laptop batteries are lithium ion.

Answer 4

Yes, there are places who do that, I'd check with local computer stores to see if they know where.

Answer 5

Contact your state department of environmental quality and see what their requirements are.  IF you are a business, disposing of your battery illegally could result in a huge fine.