Remember that Florida law prohibits the disposal of lead-acid and nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries into the regular solid waste stream (403.708(13)(a) and 403.7192(3), F.S.)

Where to recycle rechargeable batteries depends on the type of battery. Most county Household Hazardous Waste programs accept all types of rechargeable batteries from residents. Here are some other options:

• Lead-acid batteries from motor vehicles, boats, and aircraft: –Retailers of these batteries are required take them back for recycling as trade-ins for new batteries (403.708(13)(a), F.S.). Try the place where you buy new batteries or other retailers that sell that type of battery.
• Small sealed lead acid batteries weighing less than 25 pounds from smaller equipment and backup power supplies: The manufacturer must provide a method of recycling these batteries (403.7192(6), F.S.). Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), which provides the required recycling for most battery manufacturers, accepts batteries weighing up to 2 pounds and has collection centers at major retail stores that sell rechargeable batteries and rechargeable products. Contact RBRC at 1(800) 8-BATTERY to find the closest participating retailer or visit their web site at www.RBRC.org.
• Nickel-cadmium and other rechargeable batteries – Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) – found in cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers and camcorders – are also recyclable through RBRC (see above).
• All types of rechargeable batteries: County Household Hazardous Waste programs accept these batteries from residents. See our Household Hazardous Waste page for your county contact.
• For more information – Visit the Earth 911 web site or contact your county’s Household Hazardous Waste program. You may also call the Department’s toll free information line at 1-800-741-4DEP (4337).