How to Recycle Batteries
Household and rechargeable batteries: alkaline, lithium-ion, button cells, NiMH, NiCd, lithium primary, and small sealed lead-acid. Drop-off rules depend on chemistry. Not for EV traction or car starter batteries.
Alkaline Batteries
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Button Cell Batteries
Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
Lead-Acid Batteries (Small)
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd)
Lithium Primary Batteries
Phone/Tablet Batteries
Disposable Vapes & E-Cigarettes
Find batteries recycling centers
Browse recycling listings for batteries, then contact a facility to confirm what it accepts.
Complete Battery Recycling Guide
Why Battery Recycling is Critical
Batteries can start fires in collection trucks and sorting equipment, and some contain materials that need dedicated handling. Keep each chemistry out of curbside recycling and use a collection program that accepts it.
- • Lead-acid: Return car batteries to an auto-parts retailer or battery recycler.
- • Lithium-ion: Tape exposed terminals or bag each battery before using a dedicated drop-off.
- • Alkaline: Follow your state or local solid-waste authority's instructions.
- • Button cells: Store securely away from children and use a program that accepts them.
For lithium-ion batteries (commonly used in drones, phones, and laptops), proper care extends battery life and reduces waste.
Safety & Environmental Impact
A damaged or loose lithium-ion battery can short-circuit and ignite. Proper handling reduces that risk and gives a recycler the best chance to recover materials.
What it avoids:
- • Keeps batteries out of curbside sorting equipment
- • Recovers materials where the recycler's process supports it
- • Reduces fire hazards at waste facilities
- • Sends each battery chemistry to the handling stream it needs
FIRE HAZARD: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Before Disposal:
- • Tape battery terminals with clear or electrical tape
- • Store in non-conductive containers
- • Never throw in regular trash or curbside recycling
- • Damaged/swollen batteries require special handling
Warning Signs:
- • Swollen or bulging battery casing
- • Excessive heat during charging
- • Leaking fluid or white powder
- • Never puncture or incinerate batteries
Battery Recycling FAQ
Where can I recycle batteries for free?
Use a local battery collection program, a participating retailer, or an auto-parts store for lead-acid batteries. Programs and accepted chemistries vary, so check the location's current rules before making a trip.
Can alkaline batteries go in the trash?
Rules for single-use alkaline batteries vary by state and municipality. Do not put any battery in curbside recycling; use a local collection option when one is available, and follow your local disposal guidance.
Why do I need to tape battery terminals?
Exposed terminals can short-circuit if they contact metal, causing fires in collection bins and trucks. Use clear packing tape or electrical tape to cover both terminals before recycling.
What happens to recycled batteries?
Recyclers sort batteries by chemistry, then recover materials such as lead, steel, cobalt, nickel, lithium, zinc, or manganese where their process supports it. Recovery varies by battery type and recycler.
Can I recycle rechargeable batteries?
Yes. Rechargeable batteries should go to a dedicated battery collection program, not curbside recycling. Tape exposed terminals or bag each battery as directed by the collector, especially lithium-ion batteries.
Are button batteries dangerous?
Yes. A swallowed button battery is a medical emergency. Keep them away from children, tape the terminals before storage, and use a collection program that specifically accepts button batteries.