Over the years, regulations were enacted to eliminate the use of mercury in the production of alkaline batteries. Thus, today alkaline batteries are safe for disposal with your normal household trash. Rechargeable batteries, however, typically contain metals that are hazardous to the environment and should never be disposed of with your normal household trash. Instead, these type of batteries should be brought to the Hamilton County Household Hazardous Waste Center, or taken to a private firm for safe disposal.