I don't know how they did it, but they now make a battery recharger for ordinary, alkaline batteries. The Guardian store sells it online.

Because they are not part of most recycling programs and there are so many different kinds, batteries are one of the most difficult materials to recycle. However, every type of battery is recyclable if you know where to go.

Why should batteries be recycled and where can they be recycled?

Rechargeable Batteries: With the growing use of digital cameras, MP3 players and other portable electronics, rechargeable batteries are used in almost every household. Because of this, places that recycle them are more common than those that recycle other types of batteries. Rechargeable batteries contain various toxins that harm the environment when they are put into landfills and are composed of valuable compounds which can be reused if the batteries are recycled. Many retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Radio Shack, will recycle rechargeable batteries. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a non-profit organization which focuses on making it easier for people to recycle rechargeable batteries. Their website will find all retailers that recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones by postal and zip code.

Single-Use Batteries: It is important to recycle single-use batteries created before 1997 because they often contain mercuty and other tosins which can harm the environmnet when left in landfills.  It is harder to find places that recycle these batteries, however, many retailers and organizations will recycle them.  Those that are prodcued after 1997 are not harmful and so can be thrown away with other garbage.  In fact, it is extremely expensive to recycle these batteries, so it is actually better to just throw them away.

Lead-Acid Batteries: Most states in the US, including Ohio, require residents to recycle lead-acid or car batteries. Ohio law also requires that retailers recycle old batteries when they replace them in cars and other electric products such as lawnmowers. These batteries contain various toxins which are harmful when placed in landfills. Also, when recycled, the lead can be used to create new batteries or coverted into sodium sulfate and used to create fertilizers, dyes, and other products. Lead-acid batteries can be recycled at most auto parts stores and service stations.

For more information on lead-acid batteries and their disposal click here.

Button Cell Batteries: Button cell batteries, used in watches and hearing aids, are the hardest to recycle. However, they are one of the most important batteries to recycle because they contain zinc, silver, and other toxins which are very dangerous when put into landfills. Because of this, it is possible to recycle button cell batteries. Most retailers that sell jewelry, watches, and hearing aids, such as K-mart and Radio Shack, will recycle a battery if they replace it and may accept other used button cell batteries.

Other Resources:

For more information on batteries and other items which can be difficult to recycle click here.

To learn about other reasons and ways to recycle batteries and other materials visit thinkgreen.com or the Cuyahoga Waste Management District.

To find retailers and organizations that recycle lead-acid, single-use, and rechargeable batteries as well as other materials visit earth911.com.