New York City's Rechargeable Battery Law
Info for Consumers

Effective December 2006, New York City's Rechargeable Battery Law (Local Law 97 of 2005) makes it illegal for New York City residents to discard rechargeable batteries in the trash (or residential recycling containers).

All NYC stores that sell rechargeable batteries or products that contain rechargeable batteries (with the exception of small food stores) must accept up to ten batteries of the same shape and size as they sell.

Where to recycle rechargeable batteries
What must be accepted
Why rechargeable batteries
Other alternatives

• Info for Retailers on how retailers can comply with this law
• Laws and Directives for more information about this law
• Product stewardship in resources for business for other business waste prevention initiatives
• Batteries in more resources for information about disposal of other batteries

Where to Recycle Rechargeable Batteries

• All stores in New York City, such as hardware, office supply, wireless telephone, and electronics stores that sell rechargeable batteries (or products containing rechargeable batteries) must accept rechargeable batteries for recycling, no purchase necessary.
  
• For a list of locations, visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's website at: www.call2recycle.org  or call (877)-2-RECYCLE.
  
• Stores must set up a convenient location within the store to accept rechargeable batteries and post a sign near the store entrance.
  
• If a store refuses to accept your batteries, please call 311 or complete the violation form on the DSNY website.
  
  

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• Nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, or small lead rechargeable batteries.
• Up to ten batteries of the same size and shape can be brought to a store for recycling. Please note: stores are only required to take the type of batteries they sell, however, many will accept all rechargeable batteries.
• Stores must also accept rechargeable batteries found in the products they sell.
• Large Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) batteries are not covered under this law. Visit batteries in resources for more information.

Examples of products containing rechargeable batteries include: cellular and cordless phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, laptop computers, remote control toys, electric razors, and cordless power tools.

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Why Rechargeable Batteries?

Compared to single-use batteries, rechargeable batteries reduce waste; however they contain mercury, cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.

Prior to this law passing, over 300 retailers in NYC already accepted rechargeable batteries for recycling through the RBRC program. Various wireless providers have also been accepting cell phones and accessories, including their rechargeable batteries, for recycling or donation to charity.

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Other Alternatives

Rechargeable batteries, as well as other batteries can be brought to any NYC Department of Sanitation Self-Help Special Waste Drop-Off Site.

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