There are several rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries that should be properly recycled to reuse their metals and plastics in new products.
Rechargeable batteries:
Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
How to identify: Small, dry-cell batteries that are sealed, rechargeable, come in custom sizes in a hard-plastic case, and have small-cylinder, button cells
Common uses: Cell phones, laptop computers, power tools, hybrid automobiles, video cameras, and handheld electronics
Safety: Non-spillable and non-toxic
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)
How to identify: Small, dry-cell batteries that are sealed and rechargeable, usually AAA, AA, C, D, small-cylinder, poly-wrapped cell packs, or custom sizes in a hard-plastic case
Common uses: Cell phones, laptop computers, power tools, handheld electronics, toys, R/C hobby vehicles, and medical equipment
Safety: Non-spillable. Contains cadmium, which is a toxic heavy metal, so never incinerate because it produces toxic cadmium vapors.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
How to identify: Small, dry-cell batteries that are sealed and rechargeable, can be AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt, 12 volt, small-cylinder, poly-wrapped cell packs, or custom sizes
Common uses: Cell phones, laptop computers, power tools, hybrid automobiles, cameras, handheld electronics, and R/C hobby vehicles
Safety: Non-spillable and non-toxic
Lead Acid Gel
How to identify: Small to medium-sized, dry-cell batteries that are sealed and rechargeable, usually rectangular or custom sizes in a hard-plastic case
Common uses: Wheelchairs, scooters, golf carts, ride-on electric toys, boats, RVs, military aircraft, portable tools and instruments
Safety: Non-spillable gelled electrolyte. Contains lead, which is a toxic heavy metal and can cause fire if short-circuited
Non-rechargeable batteries:
Alkaline and Zinc Carbon
How to identify: Small dry-cell batteries that are sealed and non-rechargeable, usually AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt or button cells. Zinc carbon batteries are labeled general purpose or heavy duty
Common uses: Cameras, toys, watches, handheld electronics
Safety: Non-spillable and non-toxic, and can leak with age
Lithium (Primary)
How to identify: Small dry-cell batteries that are sealed and non-rechargeable, usually AAA, AA, 9-volt, small cylinder, button cells, or custom sizes
Common uses: Watches, cameras, handheld electronics, tire-pressure sensors, alarms, memory backup, high-temperature applications, pacemakers, and remote car locks
Safety: Non-spillable and non-toxic, and can overhead or explode if short-circuited
Mercury
How to identify: Small dry-cell batteries that are sealed and non-rechargeable, usually AA, 9 volt, small cylinder, button cells, or custom sizes
Common uses: Cameras, medical devices, and military equipment
Safety: Non-spillable and toxic. Contains mercury, which is a toxic heavy metal, so never incinerate because it produces highly toxic vapors.
Silver Oxide
How to identify: Small to large dry-cell batteries that are sealed and non-rechargeable, usually button cells, high voltage, small cylinder, or large custom sizes
Common uses: Watches, hearing aids, cameras, torpedoes, and aircraft
Safety: Non-spillable and non-toxic
Zinc Air
How to identify: Small dry-cell batteries that are sealed and non-rechargeable, usually button cells, 9-volt, or custom sizes
Common uses: Watches, hearing aids, and electric vehicles that are mechanically recharged
Safety: Non-spillable and non-toxic
