How Should I Dispose of Old Battery Cells and Computer Parts?

Lithium-ion batteries and other computer parts contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment. Many people throw away battery cells together with their household garbage, not knowing how harmful it could be to the environment. The good thing about computer parts is that they can always be recycled after they have served their purpose. If you have a sizeable collection of old electronics, you may be wondering what to do with them. This article discusses the step-by-step procedure of how to safely dispose of old battery cells and computer parts.

Pack it Safely

The first thing you need to do is to separate the old battery cells from the computer parts and place them in a closed container or sealable bag. If you are disposing of several battery cells, make sure to place each of them in a separate bag or container.

Old broken office equipment stands on the floor in the corner.

The reason for carrying out these safety measures is that an old battery could have just enough juice in it to ignite a spark or cause a short circuit when it comes into close contact with the terminals of another battery. To prevent this from happening, you need to place them in a separate sealable bag.

Contact Your Local Municipal Authority

The next step is to contact your private trash collector or the local municipal authority to inquire about the policies for hazardous waste disposal. Most states and municipalities always allocate days when hazardous items can be collected and dropped off at a recycling center. If you look around carefully in your town or city, you may find an ordinance that prohibits you from disposing of rechargeable batteries with your regular trash. Not only do they tell you not to dispose of such wastes but also tell you how and where to dispose.

Check Out Local Retail Stores

Another way is to check out local retail stores selling computer equipment, batteries, and accessories. Some of the major retailers around your area provide recycle bins right inside their stores. It could depend on whether they charge you or not based on the store you will find. Some of the collection points can be found at Office Depot, Staples, Radio Shack, Best Buy, Target, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot. Some retailers who sell computer batteries and spare parts can take back an old battery to recycle when buying a new battery.

Look Into Free Recycling Programs

Computer companies like Dell offer free recycling programs that allow consumers to print a prepaid shipping label online. You can schedule a pickup at FedEx. Recycling has grown in popularity over the years so you always have somewhere to take your batteries to. You can also search online for the nearest recycling facility by searching your location at Call2Recycle. Keep in mind that not all programs may accept all types of electronics for recycling so you need to be well informed before showing up with your trash bag.

Donate, Sell, or Give Away

Computer parts and battery cells that still work but are considered junk can be donated to a school, church, or a charity that receives electronic equipment in operable condition. Some people might be interested in buying your older items regardless of whether they are working or not. Probably to use them or just have a spare lying around. You can try selling them online or placing an ad in your newspaper. If you feel like selling will not make you part ways with your old batteries and computer junk, try giving it away to someone who wants it. People like freebies! How to Find E-Waste Drop-Off Locations Contact your local waste management program to make inquiries about recycling locations in your community. You can also check the manufacturer’s website or the store where you bought those computer parts to see whether they offer recycling options. Another option is to do an online search for electronic recycling, battery recycling, or computer recycling in your area. Some of the websites that offer regional drop-off locations as well as zip code searches for e-wastes include Call2Recycle (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation), myGreenElectronics, and Earth911. Electronic waste such as old battery cells and computer parts is very harmful to the environment when it is not disposed of in the right way. The best way to ensure it finds its way out of your possession and into the right hands is to try any other above-mentioned recycled programs or methods of proper e-waste disposal. You should also consider hiring a professional junk removal company. They have the needed experience to dispose of e-waste in the best way possible.