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Home > Departments > Environment, Health & Safety > EH&S Programs > Battery Recycling

Battery Recycling

As part of the University at Buffalo’s overall commitment to environmental stewardship, UB Environment, Health and Safety administers a program to collect and recycle various types of batteries that are generated on campus. By recycling these batteries, we can protect our environment and save precious resources.

Generally, most batteries used on campus fall into three categories, alkaline, rechargeable, and sealed lead acid-commonly used for battery backup applications. All of these are being collected and recycled by UB EHS. Listed below are details on how you can help the environment by recycling your spent and used batteries.

How does UB collect and recycle alkaline batteries?

The vast majority of batteries generated at the University at Buffalo are of the alkaline type. They may carry brand names such as Duracell or Energizer. EH&S has provided battery recycling receptacle pails (shown below) at various campus locations to recycle your AAA, AA, C, D and 9 Volt alkaline or carbon zinc batteries. 

Please place only your alkaline or carbon zinc batteries in these receptacles!


Battery Recycling Locations

North Campus

  • Center for the Arts, Room 142
  • Capen Hall - Oscar A. Silverman Library Circulation Desk
  • Crofts Hall, first floor by lobby entrance door
  • Davis Hall, Room 2305, Electrical Engineering
  • Ellicott Complex & Governors Residence Hall Offices
  • Ellicott Complex, 165 Millard Fillmore Academic Center
  • Fronczak Hall, Room 131, CAS Instrument Shop
  • Student Union Lobby Information Desk

South Campus

  • EH&S Offices, 220 Winspear Ave (Winspear Service Center Complex)
  • Goodyear Residence Hall Office
  • Harriman Hall, UB Card Office, Suite 104
  • Kapoor Hall, Room 298, Student Lounge
  • Parker Hall, Room 14 - Radiation Safety Office
  • Sherman Hall, Room 111

Facilities Customer Service (645-2025) picks up battery recycling pails when full.


What if I have rechargeables or sealed lead acid batteries?

Many batteries contain toxic and hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, cadmium, silver, and sulfuric acid. The US EPA has designated these as universal wastes rather than hazardous wastes with the goal of promoting recycling. Although not hazardous wastes, these batteries must still be managed in an environmentally correct manner. They cannot be placed in the regular trash.
Examples of Universal Waste batteries collected and recycled include:
  • Nickel cadmium (NiCad); found in cell phones, portable instruments, and lap top computers
  • Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH); found in cell phones, portable instruments, and lap top computers
  • Lithium ion
  • Mercury
  • Silver button
  • Sealed lead acid –commonly used for battery backup applications
Rechargable Battery Recycling Box

These type of batteries are collected in special boxes designated for Universal Waste (as shown above) and must be placed separately in a provided plastic baggie. Do NOT place alkaline or carbon zinc batteries in these boxes! Boxes are located at the following locations:

  • EH&S Offices, 220 Winspear Ave, South Campus (Winspear Service Center Complex)
  • Sherman Hall, Room 111, South Campus
  • Student Union Information Desk, North Campus

Alternatively, you may recycle these type of batteries at one of the local area stores that provide this service (Best Buy, The Home Depot, Sears, etc.).


What about batteries used in vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles and heavy equipment?

Batteries of this type will not be collected under this program but are managed separately. Contact UB EHS are 829-3301 for further information.

Battery recycling receptacles are intended to be used for intact and non leaking batteries only. Trash, gloves, paper, plastic (other than plastic bags containing batteries), toner cartridges, chemicals, etc. are not to be placed in them. If you have a non intact or leaking battery please contact the EH&S office at 829-3301 for further assistance.