Battery Collection/Recycling at the Library

All types of dry cell batteries are now being collected for recycling at the Mount Prospect Public Library.  You can bring your spent batteries to the lobby area to be placed in our recycling bin.  Please, before deposited them, cover the terminals with tape (any type).  This decreases the possiblity of the batteries reacting with the others and potentially causing a dangerous, heat-producing effect.  The batteries are being shipped to and will be properly recycled to EPA specifications.

Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, which can contaminate the environment when they are improperly disposed of. When incinerated, certain metals might be released into the air or can concentrate in the ash produced by the combustion process. The hazards of improperly disposing of batteries:

  • Polluting the lakes and streams as the metals vaporize into the air when burned.
  • Exposing the environment and water to lead and acid.
  • Contributing heavy metals that potentially may leach from solid waste landfills into soil, groundwater or surface water.
