May 31, 2007

Recycling Button Cell Batteries

My in-laws just picked up a new Fisher-Price toy for our toddler that included an insert for recycling button cell batteries. I couldn't help wondering about the purpose of the insert - after all, I'd never seen one encouraging me to recycle alkaline batteries used in toys. It turns out that button cell batteries contain mercury, which can be poisonous.

To find a recycling center for button cell batteries, Mattel (Fisher-Price's parent company) recommends the site Earth911 with these instructions:
  • Type your zip/postal code in the upper left hand box.
  • Click GO.
  • Click on HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE under the heading LOCAL SERVICES.
  • Click on MERCURY CONTAINING ITEMS, located in the first column of the Household Hazardous Waste box in the middle of the page.
  • Locate the nearest Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility to take your Button Cell Battery (ies).

If there isn't a recycling center in your area, you can call Mattel at 800-432-5437 and they'll will send you a pre-paid mailing envelope to return the batteries.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is a very nice Recycling button cell batteries.