How to Recycle Alkaline Batteries
Single-use alkaline and zinc-carbon household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) used in remotes, toys, flashlights, and clocks. Modern consumer alkalines are largely mercury-free. Recyclers reclaim zinc and manganese when a drop-off accepts them.
Quick answer
In most U.S. communities, spent alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V cells may go in household trash (EPA), though recycling is still preferred when available. California bans batteries from trash and blue bins. Do not use Home Depot or Lowe's Call2Recycle bins for alkaline; those accept rechargeables only. Use HHW, Batteries Plus (confirm fees), a Battery Network locator site that lists primary/single-use cells, or a mail-back kit. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- $0 (no scrap payout; recycling is a drop-off service)
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Remove depleted cells from the device
- 2Tape the terminals on 9V batteries (exposed posts can short against metal); AA/AAA usually need no tape
- 3Keep alkaline separate from rechargeable and lithium cells
- 4Wipe off light corrosion with a dry cloth; bag heavily leaking cells for HHW
- 5Collect them in a cardboard box or plastic tub until drop-off day
Where to Recycle
- Municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities
- Batteries Plus and retailers that accept alkaline (confirm store and fees)
- Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle) locator sites that list primary / single-use batteries
- Mail-back kits for primary batteries (fees may apply)
Special Instructions
EPA notes that in most communities alkaline and zinc-carbon cells may go in household trash, and still recommends recycling when you can. California treats household batteries as universal waste and bans them from trash and curbside recycling (DTSC). Confirm with your solid-waste authority. Do not put alkaline cells in blue-bin recycling; they contaminate paper and plastic streams. Home Depot: you cannot take single-use batteries to in-store Call2Recycle drop-off sites.
Environmental Impact
Alkaline cells are mostly steel, zinc, and manganese dioxide. Recyclers reclaim those metals when collection programs accept them. Landfilling is still allowed in many places, so the practical gain is metal recovery and less bulk in household waste, not a fire-risk fix.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V alkaline batteries
- Zinc-carbon (heavy-duty) household cells in the same sizes
- Corroded alkaline cells bagged for HHW (not damaged lithium)
Not Accepted
- Lithium-ion or other rechargeable packs (use rechargeable drop-off)
- Lithium primary / lithium marked single-use cells (different fire rules)
- Curbside blue-bin recycling
- Home Depot or Lowe's Call2Recycle bins (rechargeables only)
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: $0 (no scrap payout; recycling is a drop-off service)
Hazardous Components
- Manganese dioxide
- Zinc
- Potassium hydroxide electrolyte
FAQs
Can I throw alkaline batteries in the trash?
In many U.S. communities, yes for small household quantities (EPA). California bans batteries from household trash and recycling bins. When a drop-off or mail-back is nearby, recycle instead.
Does Home Depot or Lowe's take alkaline batteries?
No for the in-store Call2Recycle bins. Those accept rechargeable batteries (Li-ion, NiMH, NiCd, small sealed lead-acid) only. Use HHW, Batteries Plus, a Battery Network site that lists single-use cells, or a mail-back kit.
Do I need to tape alkaline terminals?
Tape 9V cells; the dual posts short easily against keys or other batteries. Standard AA/AAA alkaline cells usually do not need tape. Keep them out of a pile of loose metal.
Are leaking alkaline batteries hazardous waste?
Light white crust is common and is usually still accepted with alkaline recycling or trash where alkaline is allowed. Heavy leakage belongs at HHW. Do not mix leaking alkaline with lithium packs.
How do I tell alkaline from lithium AA cells?
Read the label. Lithium primary cells say lithium and are often marked as such on the wrapper. Treat anything marked lithium like a lithium primary: tape terminals and keep it out of the trash.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries
- How to recycle Power-Tool & High-Energy Batteries
- How to recycle Button Cell Batteries
- How to recycle E-Bike Batteries
- How to recycle Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
- How to recycle Disposable Vapes & E-Cigarettes
- How to recycle Lead-Acid Batteries (Small)
- How to recycle Phone/Tablet Batteries
- How to recycle Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd)
- How to recycle Lithium Primary Batteries
Recycle alkaline batteries
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