Mercury - not just a Greek god

The U.S. EPA estimates that greater than 350 MILLION rechargeable batteries are purchased in the US each year. Rechargeable. That figure doesn't include single use batteries, the kind we get at Wal-Mart and other stores. There aren't very many places that will take spent alkaline batteries, so they generally get sent to the dump in the weekly garbage.

Alkaline batteries contain mercury. Bad for the land. Since the mid-90s, though, the amount of mercury in alkaline batteries has, and continues to be, reduced. But, even a small amount compounded over 350 million and more, can make a significant impact.

This is a bigger issue as years go by since small electronics and digital cameras are taking over the planet.

I've been holding on to my spent batteries until I can find a local place to take them,

To locate a battery recycler in your area (in the U.S.), go to earth911.org. Your state or local Department of Environmental Quality is another contact. They may even take them for you.

Other batteries to consider:

Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium Ion batteries are considered to be non-hazardous but contain elements that can be recycled. Most battery recyclers and Radio Shack and some Staples stores will take this type of battery.

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or NiCad are considered to be hazardous waste and must be recycled. Most recyclers will take this battery and you can take them to Radio Shack and some Staples stores.