Green Newton

Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries made in the USA after 1994 do not contain mercury and are safe to dispose with trash. Duracell and Energizer stopped using mercury in 1984. Batteries with a green tree logo or the words “no added mercury” or “zero mercury added” are safe to dispose with the trash. While these batteries can be recycled, the cost is very high and the City asks that alkaline batteries be tossed as regular trash. Avoid devices that use alkaline batteries or make the switch to rechargeable batteries.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries can last for 500-1000 charges or approximately 2-3 years with regular use. Once they no longer hold a charge, rechargeable batteries are accepted for disposal at Staples, RadioShack, Office Depot, BestBuy, and many hardware stores. Visit Call 2 Recycle for the location nearest you to recycle rechargeable batteries.

Non-alkaline Batteries

Non-alkaline batteries are accepted from Newton residents at the Newton Resource Recovery Center at Rumford Avenue, including: lithium ion (Li-ion), lithium primary (Li), lead acid (spillable or non-spillable), nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), mercury and silver oxide batteries. Button batteries found in watches, cameras, calculators, and hearing aids may be brought to the Resource Recovery Center or the Newton Senior Center at 345 Walnut St. in Newtonville.

Other Mercury Items

Other mercury recovery items, such as CFL bulbs, fluorescent tubes, old thermostats, thermometers and mercury auto-switches may be brought to the Newton Resource Recovery Center during regular hours. Mercury items go in the white bucket in Shed #2 and bulbs go in Shed #3.

The Newton Resource Recovery Center is located at 115 Rumford Ave, Auburndale and accepts a wide range of materials. Open Mon.-Sat. 7:15am-2:30pm. Closed on Sundays and holidays.