- 1SAFETY FIRST: Never handle damaged, swollen, or hot batteries with bare hands
- 2Remove from device only if easily accessible - don't force removal
- 3Tape both terminals completely with electrical tape to prevent short circuits
- 4Store in cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight
- 5Keep individual batteries separate - never bundle together
- 6Transport in original packaging or individual protective bags
- 7Never store in metal containers or with other metal objects
- Electronics stores (Best Buy, Staples)
- Cell phone stores
- Hardware stores
- Call2Recycle drop-off locations
- Municipal hazardous waste facilities
- Auto parts stores (for larger batteries)
CRITICAL SAFETY: Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires, explosions, and toxic gas release if damaged or short-circuited. NEVER put in regular trash, curbside recycling, or crush. Swollen batteries are extremely dangerous - handle as hazardous waste immediately. If a battery feels hot, smells strange, or is visibly damaged, treat as emergency hazardous waste.
Contains valuable lithium, cobalt, and nickel worth $8-15 per battery. Mining cobalt often involves child labor and environmental destruction in Congo. Recycling recovers 95% of materials and prevents toxic chemical release. One laptop battery contains enough lithium to contaminate 600,000 gallons of water if improperly disposed.
- Professional battery replacement services
- Device trade-in programs
- Battery reconditioning services (for power tools)
Accepted
- Laptop and tablet batteries (removed or in devices)
- Power tool batteries (all brands)
- E-bike and scooter batteries
- Smartphone batteries (preferably in device)
- Drone and RC vehicle batteries
- Portable speaker and headphone batteries
Not Accepted
- Swollen, damaged, or leaking batteries (requires hazardous waste handling)
- Batteries over 140°F or emitting odors
- Large EV battery packs (use manufacturer programs)
- Batteries with exposed wiring or punctures
- Water-damaged batteries from floods
Estimated value: $0 for recycling, but some trade-in programs offer credit
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Flammable electrolytes that can cause fires and toxic gas
- Cobalt compounds (carcinogenic)
- Lithium salts (caustic and toxic)
- Nickel compounds (respiratory hazards)
- Aluminum and copper (valuable for recovery)
What should I do if my lithium battery is swollen?
STOP using immediately. Don't puncture, compress, or charge. Place in a fire-resistant container away from flammable materials. Take to a hazardous waste facility or electronics store that accepts damaged batteries. Never put in regular trash.
Can lithium-ion batteries really start fires?
Yes. Thermal runaway can cause batteries to reach 1,000°F, emit toxic gases, and ignite nearby materials. This risk increases dramatically with physical damage, overcharging, or exposure to heat.
How do I know if a battery is lithium-ion?
Look for 'Li-ion', 'Li-Po', or voltage markings like 3.7V. They're rechargeable and found in modern electronics. If unsure, treat as lithium-ion for safety.
Why can't I just throw old batteries in the trash?
They can start fires in garbage trucks and landfills, contaminate groundwater with toxic metals, and waste valuable materials. Many states legally require proper disposal.
What happens during lithium battery recycling?
Batteries are discharged safely, disassembled in controlled environments, and materials are separated. Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are extracted and purified for new battery production.
Can businesses recycle lithium batteries in bulk?
Yes! Many facilities offer business programs with pickup services, proper documentation for compliance, and sometimes revenue sharing for large quantities. Essential for IT asset disposition and facilities management.