Be Battery Smart

Batteries are everyday essentials.

All batteries, however, can be a hidden household hazard. Batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, nickel, lithium, and cadmium that are harmful to the environment and pose a risk to human health. If improperly installed, charged, stored, used, or damaged, batteries can catch fire or explode. If swallowed, batteries can cause injuries and death.

Be aware. Take care. Here are 6 tips to be battery smart:

Learn more: Be Battery Safe at Home.

Recycling is the preferred option for the end-of-life management of all batteries. South Carolina's residents have several options, with more recycling infrastructure on the way.

Be Battery Smart is an outreach campaign designed to raise awareness of the potential hidden hazards of batteries and provide recommendations on safe battery management.

The campaign is created in partnership between the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).

Please note: The information provided is for household batteries only. Businesses must follow all requirements for both large and small quantity hazardous waste generators.