Rechargeable Batteries
NY State’s Rechargeable Battery law makes it illegal to discard rechargeable batteries in the trash (or recycling containers) and mandates stores that sell rechargeable batteries (or products containing rechargeable batteries) to collect rechargeable batteries for recycling, free of charge.
All New York stores that sell rechargeable batteries or products that contain rechargeable batteries (with the exception of small food stores) are required to accept up to ten batteries of the same shape and size as they sell, under the NY State Rechargeable Battery Law.
Applicable Law: NY State Rechargeable Battery Law NY State ECL, Article 27, Title 18
Which types of rechargeable batteries are covered by the new law?
- Nickel-cadmium
- Sealed lead
- Lithium ion
- Nickel metal hydride
- Any other such dry cell battery capable of being recharged
- Battery packs containing any of the above-mentioned batteries
For more information call the NYSDEC at 518-402-8706.
Other batteries, such as alkaline and button batteries, are not required to be recycled. For disposal information on non-rechargeable batteries, visit battery disposal tips.