Why are button batteries dangerous for kids?

A swallowed coin cell can lodge in the esophagus and create an electrical current with saliva, causing severe burns within about two hours. Store spare and spent cells in a closed container out of reach.

Do I need to tape button cells before recycling?

Yes. Tape both faces or bag each cell. Lithium coin cells can spark if the faces touch metal or another battery.

Do button cells still contain mercury?

Most new U.S. consumer button cells are mercury-free. Cells made before the mid-1990s may contain mercury oxide. Recycle all of them; do not trash older cells.

Where can I recycle hearing-aid batteries?

Hearing-aid clinics often take spent zinc-air cells when you buy replacements. HHW and Battery Network sites that list primary cells also accept them. Confirm before you go.

Will a jeweler recycle my watch battery?

Most watch repair counters replace the cell and keep the old one for recycling, especially silver-oxide types. Ask when you drop the watch off.

Batteries recycling

How to Recycle Button Cell Batteries

Small round button and coin cells (CR2032 and similar, silver oxide, zinc-air hearing-aid cells, older mercury oxide) used in watches, key fobs, hearing aids, calculators, and medical devices.

Recyclable$0 at consumer drop-offUpdated Jul 2026

Quick answer

Tape both faces of a button or coin cell (or bag each cell) and take it to HHW, a jeweler, a hearing-aid clinic, or a Battery Network locator site that confirms primary / coin acceptance. Do not put them in trash or curbside recycling. Keep used cells out of reach of children; a swallowed lithium coin cell can burn the esophagus within about two hours.

Recyclable: Yes
Typical value: $0 at consumer drop-off
Donate / take-back: Available

How to Prepare

1Remove the cell carefully so it does not fall where a child or pet can reach it
2

How to Recycle Button Cell Batteries

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How to Recycle Button Cell Batteries

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