Battery Recycling & Disposal Program

The George Washington University uses many different kinds of batteries on campus. The following lists the common types of batteries used and how to arrange to have used/spent batteries recycled.

Types
Alkaline batteries (non-hazardous) are commonly used to power flashlights and some electronic devices, are not rechargeable, and are not regulated waste. Alkaline batteries usually come in common sizes such as AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt and often say "alkaline batteries" on their outer casing. Alkaline batteries are considered non-hazardous batteries.

Non-alkaline (hazardous) batteries such as ni-cad, gel-lead, button, and automotive lead-acid batteries are used in many applications and, because they contain hazardous chemicals, may be treated as hazardous waste and can be recycled.

Recycling procedures
To recycle or dispose of any type of battery, email your request to safety@gwu.edu or call 202-994-4347. In your request, please include:

1) Type of battery (e.g., alkaline, ni-cad);
2) Quantity;
3) Location; and
4) Contact Information.

Risk Management also supplies battery recycing containers upon request.

Related Links

• GW's Battery Recycling and Disposal Program (PDF)