Recycling batteries is important to protect our environment and our health. Each year Americans throw away 84,000 tons of alkaline batteries. Batteries make up 20% of household hazardous waste in landfills. When batteries are crushed and degrade, chemicals leak out into landfills, potentially threatening our environment. Using rechargeable batteries cuts down on this waste.
Rechargeable batteries can be recycled through the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation program at these participating retailers:
- Batteries Plus Bulbs, Parkway Shopping Center, 1715 Bradford Lane, 309-663-2200
- Interstate Batteries Center, 1115 E. Lafayette St, 309-663-5911
- Lowe’s, 2101 E. Empire St, 309-661-6467
- Verizon Wireless, 504 IAA Dr, 309-664-6977
Lithium and non-alkaline batteries (residential waste only)
Non-alkaline batteries such as lithium (used for cameras and watches), button cell (watches, calculators, hearing aids), and rechargeable batteries Ni-Cad batteries from McLean County residents can be taken to these two retailers:
- Batteries Plus Bulbs, 2109 N. Veterans Pkwy, 309-663-2200
- Interstate Batteries Center, 1115 E. Lafayette St, 309-663-5911
This recycling program is funded by the McLean County Solid Waste Fund and is specifically limited to residential waste only, no business waste. The program no longer accepts alkaline batteries, which by Illinois law, may be disposed of in the trash.
In accordance to federal law, all lithium and lithium ion batteries must be either individually bagged or be taped on the ends to help prevent fires during transportation. Please help us comply with these requirements by individually bagging or taping the contacts on any lithium or lithium-ion batteries you recycle.
Alkaline Non-Rechargeable Batteries
By Illinois law, alkaline batteries are not regulated as hazardous and do not require special disposal. However, they are corrosive, and should be recycled where such services are available. Due to economic demand, the following two locations may take alkaline batteries for a small recycling fee.
- Batteries Plus Bulbs, 2109 N. Veterans Pkwy, 309-663-2200
- Interstate Batteries Center, 1115 E. Lafayette St, 309-663-5911
Alternately, alkaline batteries may be recycled through mail back programs such as these: https://www.call2recycle.org/store/. Residents can also bring them to a Household Hazardous Waste collection event or permanent facility.
Car Batteries
You can recycle your lead-acid batteries from vehicles and other motor devices, such as lawn mowers, at any place these batteries are sold or at the following stores:
- Interstate Batteries Center, 1115 E. Lafayette St, 309-663-5911
- Team Automotive, 1223 S Adelaide St, 309-454-5454
- AutoZone, 1213 S. Center St, Normal, 309-454-4990