Alkaline Batteries

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of batteries can I recycle in the designated white jug?

Only single-use alkaline batteries can be recycled through this program. This includes AA, AAA, C, D and 9V. Please look at the batteries carefully before placing them in this container as some rechargeable batteries look like single use alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries cannot be recycled in these bins.

How do I dispose of rechargeable batteries?

In Nebraska, rechargeable batteries are regulated as Universal Waste. Rechargeable batteries used by Nebraska Medicine or UNMC must be collected separately, tagged with a chemical collection tag and picked up by Environmental Health & Safety. Call 402-559-6356 with questions. See the Battery Disposal Fact Sheet for more information. 

Can I recycle single-use watch or button batteries in these containers?

No, those batteries cannot be recycled as part of this program, but continue to collect them, complete a chemical collection tag and contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office at 402-559-6356 when you are ready for disposal. See the Battery Disposal Fact Sheet for more information.

I have batteries from home I would like to recycle, can I recycle them here?

No, this is designed for batteries from Nebraska Medicine and UNMC only. Recycling batteries from home is potentially illegal, stretches our limited resources and will risk the future of this program.

Contact “Under the Sink”  or Omaha Recycling Guide for personal disposal information.

I have a container for my department but the lid has gone missing. Is it possible to get a replacement?

Contact EHS at 402-559-6356 for a replacement.

What do I do when the designated single-use battery container is full?

When your container is full of single-use batteries ready to be recycled, please fill out the online pick-up form.

Allow up to five days for the full container to be picked up and a new container delivered. If you are in an area where multiple people manage a battery container, please place a note on the lid indicating the pickup has been requested to avoid multiple requests.

What if I’m not at the Nebraska Medicine or UNMC main campus?

All satellite facilities in the Omaha metro area can use the online pick up form, specify your location in the “Building” or "Comments” section. Facilities outside of the Omaha metro area should contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at 402-559-6536 to arrange pick-up.

What do I do if a battery is leaking, corroded or showing signs of acid buildup?

Place any leaking or corroded batteries in a clear plastic bag and then place it in the container for recycling. All other batteries should be loose in the bin, not in any other type of container or bag. 

Should I be concerned about acid build up on batteries?

Batteries usually have a long time before acid build up occurs. If it does occur, place the battery in a small plastic bag before placing it in the container.

I would like a container for my department. How can I get one?

If you don’t currently have a container but want to recycle batteries, check with your neighbors. We have many battery containers on campus and there might be one close by you don’t know about. If you do need one, you can use the online pick-up form to request one. Make sure your building and room are listed and mention in the “Comments” section that you do not need to have a container picked up, just an empty one delivered. 

Where do the batteries go?

The hospital and the university have partnered with Retrofit, a company specializing in recycling with environmentally sound practices.

The LiveGreen Ambassadors ERG also tests used batteries and donates those with significant charge left in them to various groups on and off campus.

Can your department utilize slightly used batteries? If so, email our team.

Why does the City of Omaha recommend putting batteries in the regular trash steam?

Alkaline batteries are not regulated by the EPA and by law can go into the trash. It can be challenging and labor intensive to extract the reusable materials or metals from single-use batteries. At this point in time, the City of Omaha does not require that batteries be recycled and does not have a system in place to route these batteries to the appropriate recycling facility. Because these items can be recycled, we choose to offer this program. Private companies exist that will recycle alkaline batteries in Omaha. Check out the Omaha Recycling Guide for more information. 

I have heard that 9-volt batteries can be a fire hazard; is this process safe?

Yes, extensive research with battery recycling companies, transport companies and manufacturers has been done to make sure this process is safe for the personnel recycling and the locations of the bins.

If you want, you may place a piece of electrical tape over the top of the 9V battery or recap it with the cap from your new battery prior to placing it in the bin. This stops the potential arc that could lead to the potential fire, but this is not required. 

If you have additional questions or concerns about battery recycling, please email the sustainability team.