Our ReWorks office gets many questions about certain materials, in particular, how to properly dispose of single-use batteries and latex paint. But perhaps a better question could be how can we reduce our use of these materials?
Batteries
Batteries. Go to any store and at some point, you will encounter a display of single-use batteries, often packaged in large quantities.
What won't catch your eye as well are the rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are an excellent choice over single-use batteries for a variety of reasons. One reason rechargeables are better is because you can reuse them many times. Because of this reuse, you won't need to purchase single-use batteries.
That reduction means now you aren't generating all that battery waste! A second reason is that rechargeable batteries have better options for proper disposal.
What You Can Do with Batteries
Since we mentioned proper disposal: please never put any type of batteries in your recycling cart at home or in recycling bins at community drop-off centers.
What can you do with your home's spent batteries? Summit County residents can bring single-use and rechargeable batteries generated from their own home to our Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Center (HHWRC) during our open season which is June through September.
During the off-season, alkaline, single-use batteries can be placed into the trash. However, rechargeable batteries can be recycled year round at locations such as Batteries Plus Bulbs stores and Call2Recycle. It's another reason to switch to rechargeable batteries.
Latex Paint
Latex paint. It's summer, and you decide to tackle a home project. You go to purchase paint and notice that you'll be charged less to purchase a gallon of paint rather than a smaller container. However, after a few of those projects, you'll look at your collection of half-filled paint cans and realize you have no need for them.
So, how to avoid extra paint? One way is to use a paint calculator to determine how much paint to buy. You can use your favorite one or go to our HHW page from top navigation to use our calculator. Also included on that page is information on how to properly dispose of latex paint, including a video. Note: ReWorks' HHWRC does not accept latex paint.
Please consider reduction before you purchase your next battery or can of paint.