Button Cell Batteries Alternative ways to recycle Contains Mercury Special Management Instructions Button cell and coin batteries cannot be placed in the recycling bin. Some recycling services throughout the State offer drop-off programs for button cell and coin batteries. Contact your local recycling coordinator to learn about potential drop-off opportunities near you. If none are available, button cell and coin batteries may be safely disposed of in the trash since they are not considered a hazardous material. Alternative Ways to Recycle Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy will take back rechargeable batteries as well as the following: battery backups (ups), button batteries, cellphone batteries and laptop batteries. They do not accept single-use, car or other wet cell batteries. Find out more. The Battery Solutions Recycling Program Battery Solutions offers battery recycling kits and services to businesses, municipalities and residences. Their programs aim to help people recycle their batteries properly and conveniently. Learn more. The Big Green Box Battery Recycling Program The Big Green Box is a mail-in battery recycling program for both residences and businesses. Their system is simple: order a box, fill it up with your used batteries and then ship it back to the company’s EPA-approved recycling center. Learn more. Did You Know? Why Is Mercury Still in Batteries? Mercury is included in batteries for a reason: It’s used as a stabilizer and gives batteries a longer life. In 1996, the Mercury Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act prohibited the sale of mercury-oxide batteries in the U.S., except for select applications.