Need to recycle old batteries? Did you miss the last recycling event? Not to worry! Thanks to our Zero Waste Program Coordinator, batteries are now accepted for recycling at City Hall.

Batteries can be harmful to the environment when used and disposed of in the trash. Batteries are composed of many various chemistries, types, sizes, etc. If stored and disposed of improperly, batteries can create fires and damage trucks and equipment, or create fire hazards for recycling facilities, impacting both employees and public health.

The City of Ferndale has implemented a program for the recycling of household batteries. Ferndale residents can now drop off disposable household batteries at City Hall in the battery recycling buckets located beside the front counter. Instructions and materials are available at the drop-off location, as some battery terminals need to be covered in clear tape to be disposed of properly.

Acceptable batteries include:

• Nickel Cadmium
• Lead Acid Batteries
• Mercuric Oxide, Button Cell Batteries
• Lithium Batteries
• Alkaline/Zinc Carbon Batteries

No auto or marine batteries will be accepted!

The battery buckets are collected and sorted by hand through the Zero Waste Program Coordinator. For the safety of the employees, please do not include leaking, broken, or swollen batteries. This also includes lightbulbs, razors, or trash.

Damaged batteries are not accepted. There are a few key factors that can indicate a battery is damaged or defective: the case of the battery being cracked or split, the battery itself being bloated or swollen, and/or the battery exhibiting abnormal charging behavior.

Even if you don’t participate in our battery program, we want to make you aware of best practices when handling batteries. You should never throw away or recycle your batteries at home. They can cause damage to the environment through fires, health hazards, and more.

We encourage you to recycle batteries with external facilities/programs if possible. Batteries are made of many metals and alloys—all of which are limited natural resources. The demand for these materials is rising and recycling them can make a difference in the circular economy. Bringing them to City Hall or another disposal site will be the safest and most proper option. You can also drop off batteries via SOCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Program here. (link)

If you have any questions about the program or other zero waste-related concerns, please contact the Zero Waste Coordinator Claire Dion at zerowaste@ferndalemi.gov.