We are in the season of giving, which also means figuring out what to do with all the old stuff the gifts have replaced.

Over the next several days, we will share some recycling tips on how you should handle the excess of things that accumulate during the holidays.

Previous holiday recycling tips:

• Do not put clothes in the green recycling cart
• Flatten and bundle the cardboard that does not fit into the recycling cart
• Recycle televisions at the Streets Division drop-off sites

How to Recycle Household Batteries
Household batteries can be recycled at the Streets Division drop-off sites. Do not place batteries into the green recycling container.

Recycling batteries is simple. You can follow the how-to steps below or watch the battery recycling video available on the City of Madison YouTube channel.

First, gather your batteries and then separate lithium batteries from the other household battery types.

Lithium batteries are the small ones that look like silver buttons that are used to power watches and hearing aids. Lithium batteries also power cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras. Some lithium batteries even look like standard AA or AAA batteries.

You need to check the label of your batteries to see if they are lithium or not. If the word “lithium” or the phrase “li-ion” appears, then you have a lithium battery.

Take the lithium batteries and use clear tape to cover the ends, or contact points.

After you have taped your lithium batteries, collect all of your batteries and take them to either of the Streets Division drop-off sites.

The sites are located at 4602 Sycamore Ave and 1501 W. Badger Rd. The sites are open 7:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday.

Once at the drop-off sites, place the batteries into their appropriate places. There are large signs above where the batteries should be deposited. The signs will show where the taped lithium batteries should be placed, and where the alkaline and other batteries types should go.

All lead batteries, including those that powered boats or from uninterruptible power supplies, should be placed with the car batteries.

Please only place batteries into the battery containers. Small items like light bulbs or screws and nails do not belong with the batteries. Also please empty batteries from bags, boxes, or other containers when placing them into the recycling receptacles.

For additional information about recycling, and the other items that can be taken to the Streets Division drop-off sites, visit our website, www.cityofmadison.com/streets, or call the Streets Division office that services your home. Residents east of South Park Street can call 608-246-4532 and residents west of South Park Street can call 608-266-4681.