Please visit our battery web site at
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/battery.htm. Batteries can be recycled or collected for safe disposal through different municipal or commercial programs. Almost any retailer that sells lead-acid batteries collects used batteries for recycling, as required by most state laws.
To find municipal battery recycling and disposal locations, visit the
Earth911 web site 
and type in either your region or zip code. These locations require you to bring the batteries to a specified location for disposal and are usually free.
If you have a large volume of batteries, you may also want to consider a commercial battery recycler such as
Battery Solutions, Inc. [800-852-8127]

that will collect your used batteries for a fee.
Also, the
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) 
, is a nonprofit public service organization that targets four kinds of rechargeable batteries for recycling: nickel-cadmium (Ni-CD), nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and small-sealed lead. Its "Charge Up to Recycle!" program offers various recycling plans for communities, retailers, businesses, and public agencies.