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How to Recycle Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd)
Older nickel-cadmium (NiCd / Ni-Cd) rechargeable cells and packs from cordless power tools, two-way radios, emergency lights, RC toys, and early cordless phones. Labels say NiCd or nickel cadmium, usually 1.2V.
Check local acceptance$0 (free consumer drop-off)Last reviewed September 24, 2026
Quick answer
NiCd batteries contain cadmium and must be recycled. Tape the terminals and drop them at a Battery Network / Call2Recycle rechargeable bin, hardware or electronics partner, or HHW. Do not put NiCd in trash or curbside recycling. Trash disposal is banned in California; check Battery Network state recycling laws for other EPR rules. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- $0 (free consumer drop-off)
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Remove the pack from the tool once it no longer holds a charge
- 2Tape both terminals or bag the pack so contacts cannot short
- 3Keep NiCd separate from alkaline household cells
- 4Do not crush, open, or incinerate the cells
- 5Take them to a rechargeable drop-off; never put them in trash or blue bins
Where to Recycle
- Battery Network drop-off boxes (Home Depot, Lowe's, electronics stores)
- Municipal HHW facilities
- Specialized battery recyclers
Special Instructions
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, so NiCd is managed as universal or hazardous waste. Recycle everywhere via Battery Network rechargeable bins or HHW. California bans household batteries from trash. The federal Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act (PL 104-142) supports NiCd and SSLA recycling pathways; it is not a nationwide consumer trash ban by itself. Prefer NiMH or Li-ion when you replace the tool pack.
Environmental Impact
Cadmium can leach from landfills into soil and water. Battery recyclers recover cadmium and nickel for reuse instead of leaving them in household waste.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Replace worn NiCd tool packs with manufacturer NiMH or Li-ion systems when available
- For loose AA/AAA rechargeables, buy NiMH instead of NiCd
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- NiCd power-tool packs
- NiCd AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V cells
- NiCd packs from radios, emergency lights, and RC toys
Not Accepted
- Household trash or curbside bins
- Untaped packs loose with scrap metal
- Leaking cells without HHW guidance
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: $0 (free consumer drop-off)
Hazardous Components
- Cadmium
- Nickel compounds
FAQs
Is it illegal to throw away NiCd batteries?
In California, household batteries (including NiCd) are banned from trash and blue bins. Recycle NiCd everywhere because of cadmium toxicity. Check Battery Network state recycling laws for other EPR states. The federal Battery Act supports recycling pathways; it is not itself a nationwide trash ban.
Where can I recycle NiCd near me?
Search the Battery Network locator, or ask at Home Depot, Lowe's, and electronics stores with rechargeable bins. HHW sites also take them. In Illinois, the statewide battery stewardship program in effect since January 1, 2026 lists nickel-cadmium among the chemistries its approved drop-off sites accept.
Why is cadmium the issue?
Cadmium is toxic if it enters soil or water from landfills. Recycling recovers it for new industrial uses.
Are NiCd, Ni-Cd, and NiCad the same battery type?
These names refer to nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries. Read the chemistry label on the cell or pack before choosing a collection route. NiMH means nickel-metal hydride and is a different chemistry, even when the cell shape looks the same. Tell the drop-off which chemistry you have and keep the terminals protected.
Can an industrial NiCd pack go in a retail battery bin?
Do not assume so. Consumer battery collections can have weight, size, condition, and source limits. Give the collector the chemistry, pack weight, dimensions, and whether it came from a household or business. Large industrial or emergency-power packs may need a commercial battery recycler. Leaking or damaged packs need instructions from the receiving program before transport.
How do I identify a NiCd pack?
Look for Ni-Cd, NiCd, or nickel cadmium on the label. Older DeWalt, Makita, and similar brick packs were often NiCd before Li-ion took over.
Should I switch away from NiCd?
If the tool still works, keep using it and recycle the pack at end of life. For new purchases, NiMH (household cells) or Li-ion (tools) avoid cadmium.
Do NiCd and NiMH use the same drop-off?
Yes for consumer sizes. Both go in Battery Network rechargeable bins. The sorter separates chemistry; your job is taping terminals and keeping them out of trash.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Power-Tool & High-Energy Batteries
- How to recycle Lithium Primary Batteries
- How to recycle Lead-Acid Batteries (Small)
- How to recycle Phone/Tablet Batteries
- How to recycle Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
- How to recycle Disposable Vapes & E-Cigarettes
- How to recycle Button Cell Batteries
- How to recycle E-Bike Batteries
- How to recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries
- How to recycle Alkaline Batteries
Recycle nickel-cadmium batteries (nicd)
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