Batteries and light bulbs...where do you recycle?...

[Phentex]

I had to buy new rechargeable batteries for our cordless phones the other day. I think I paid more for these than I did for the phone set! Oy!

They gave me a free bulb and I asked about recycling the bulbs and the batteries. They said they would take them if I was purchasing something and otherwise there is a fee.

I know Home Depot will recycle bulbs but there isn't one very convenient to us.

What do y'all do?

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Check with your county or municipal gov't first -- just google "<name> county recycle"

Some items, like CFLs and batteries, are not recycled in smaller cities and counties, or recycled only on certain days.

Googling "atlanta recycle" got me to this site in three mouse clicks: http://www.keepatlantabeautiful.org/programs/Recycling.asp
Unfortunately, they do not handle CFL or other bulbs.

So, add CFL to the Googlon:
https://www.google.com/search?q=atlanta_recycle_free_CFL
It looks like both Lowe's and Ikea will recycle CFLs; can't go further without knowing your situation, but there are numerous options (some fee-based).

Not sure about batteries, except IKEA recycles alkaline; try doing a search including the type of battery -- NiCad, etc.

[Phentex]

2. The Lowe's closest to us won't do it and it makes me mad...

because that's where we bought some of the bulbs!

Ikea is a good idea! Thanks. I didn't realize they take both batteries and bulbs.

[ohtransplant]

3. Batteries Plus will take any type of battery

if there's one close to you.

[Phentex]

5. if you buy something...

which I probably will but there is a fee if I don't.

[Curmudgeoness]

4. A list of places that recycle batteries...

Take the rechargeable batteries to any of the participating retailers. In the U.S.: Alltel, Batteries Plus, Best Buy, Black & Decker, Cingular Wireless, The Home Depot, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Orchard Supply, Porter Cable Service Center, RadioShack, Remington Product Company, Sears, Staples, Target, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, and Wal-Mart.

This is from: http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/batteries.php#where2recycle

And for CFL's, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, IKEA, Lowe's, Orchard Supply and other retailers offer in-store recycling. Visit Earth911.com to find stores in your area. Check directly with the store before you go; not all stores in regional or nationwide chains may be equipped to recycle.

From the same site: http://www.ehso.com/cfl_light_bulbs.htm

[Phentex]

6. Thanks. I will remember Ikea since Lowe's won't take the bulbs...

and Batteries Plus will take them if I buy something.

Ikea is very doable.