Alkaline batteries are safe to dispose of with normal household waste. Never incinerate or dispose of batteries in a fire because they could explode.
In 1993, battery manufacturers removed mercury in alkaline batteries due to safety concerns. Alkaline batteries are now composed of common metals - steel, zinc, and manganese - and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use and disposal.
Do not dispose large numbers of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely dead and still have a slight power to them. Grouping used batteries together can bring these live batteries into contact with one another, creating a safety risk.
Unfortunately, cost-effective and environmental safe recycling processes are not universally available for alkaline batteries. Some communities offer recycling or collection of alkaline batteries. Please contact your local government for disposal practices in your area.