How to Recycle Lithium Primary Batteries
Non-rechargeable lithium-metal primary cells (CR123A, CR2, some AA/AAA marked lithium, camera and smoke-detector cells) that use lithium metal rather than a rechargeable Li-ion chemistry.
Quick answer
Single-use lithium (lithium primary) batteries are not rechargeable and are not the same as lithium-ion. Tape the terminals, keep them out of trash and curbside bins, and drop them at HHW, Batteries Plus, or a Battery Network locator site that confirms primary lithium. Home Depot Call2Recycle bins reject single-use cells. They can spark fires if crushed or shorted. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- $0
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Confirm the label says lithium (not alkaline and not Li-ion rechargeable)
- 2Remove from the device when spent
- 3Tape both terminals or bag each cell separately (electrical, packing, or duct tape; not weak office tape)
- 4Store cool and dry, away from keys and other batteries
- 5Do not recharge, crush, or puncture primary lithium cells
Where to Recycle
- Battery Network locator sites that list primary / single-use lithium (confirm first)
- Batteries Plus and battery specialty retailers
- Municipal HHW facilities
- Camera and electronics stores (ask before dropping off)
Special Instructions
EPA groups lithium single-use cells with button/coin lithium: keep them out of trash and municipal recycling. They look like alkaline AAs sometimes, so read the print. Battery Network treats primary lithium as select-partner collection; use the locator and confirm, or go to HHW or Batteries Plus. Home Depot rejects single-use cells in Call2Recycle bins. Damaged or swollen cells need HHW, not a standard store bin.
Environmental Impact
Primary lithium cells contain lithium metal that can react violently if the cell is crushed or contacts moisture after damage. Recycling keeps that fire risk out of trash trucks and recovers metals instead of landfilling the cells.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- CR123A, CR2, and similar photo/lithium cells
- AA/AAA cells clearly marked lithium (single-use)
- Lithium cells from cameras, remotes, and some smoke alarms
Not Accepted
- Trash or curbside recycling
- Rechargeable Li-ion packs (use the lithium-ion page and rechargeable bins)
- Home Depot or Lowe's Call2Recycle bins that list rechargeables only
- Cells you tried to recharge or that are swollen/punctured without HHW handling
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: $0
Hazardous Components
- Lithium metal
- Flammable electrolyte
FAQs
Are lithium primary batteries the same as lithium-ion?
No. Primary lithium is single-use and often contains lithium metal. Lithium-ion is rechargeable. Both need battery drop-off and taped terminals, but they are different products and often use different drop-off streams.
Can I put lithium AA batteries in the trash?
No. EPA says not to put lithium single-use batteries in trash or municipal recycling bins. Tape them and use a battery drop-off or HHW.
How do I spot a lithium primary cell?
The wrapper usually says lithium. Photo cells like CR123A are almost always primary lithium. Rechargeable tool and phone packs say Li-ion instead.
Do I have to tape the terminals?
Yes. Battery Network guidance calls for terminal protection on lithium primary cells. Use electrical, packing, or duct tape; skip weak office tape that peels off. Alkaline AA/AAA usually do not need the same tape.
Will every Battery Network box take primary lithium?
No. Rechargeable bins are widespread; primary lithium acceptance depends on select partners. Check the locator details or use HHW if the store says no.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Phone/Tablet Batteries
- How to recycle Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd)
- How to recycle Disposable Vapes & E-Cigarettes
- How to recycle Lead-Acid Batteries (Small)
- How to recycle E-Bike Batteries
- How to recycle Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
- How to recycle Power-Tool & High-Energy Batteries
- How to recycle Button Cell Batteries
- How to recycle Alkaline Batteries
- How to recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries
Recycle lithium primary batteries
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