SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Since its introduction in June of last year, the City of Portland's new curbside battery collection program has gathered almost 20 tons of batteries for recycling in its first year. Residents in smallplexes and single-family homes now have a simple and practical option to recycle dangerous household batteries.
According to the program, curbside glass recycling and battery drop-off are available to all residents of a house, duplex, triplex, or fourplex. Batteries with the label "alkaline" can be placed straight into a one-quart bag. Before being placed in bags, those with the label "alkaline" must have both ends secured with clear tape. To make the batteries visible to the waste collection driver, they must be put on top of the glass in a clear, one-quart, zip-sealed bag.
Any battery that fits in a 1-quart, zip-sealed plastic bag, including AAA, AA, C, D, button-cell & coin, 6V, and 9V batteries, rechargeable and single use batteries, batteries labelled Alkaline, Lithium, Lithium-Ion, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride and Nickel Zinc, are allowed. Additionally small batteries used in cell phones, camera, etc. and small tool batteries that fit into the bag are accepted.
In addition to recovering valuable elements found in batteries that are subsequently repurposed into new goods, the recycling program has assisted in lowering exposure to toxic chemicals.
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