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.
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.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- $0 (free consumer drop-off)
- Donate / take-back
- Available
- 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
- Battery Network drop-off boxes (Home Depot, Lowe's, electronics stores)
- Municipal HHW facilities
- Specialized battery recyclers
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.
Cadmium can leach from landfills into soil and water. Battery recyclers recover cadmium and nickel for reuse instead of leaving them in household waste.
- Replace worn NiCd tool packs with manufacturer NiMH or Li-ion systems when available
- For loose AA/AAA rechargeables, buy NiMH instead of NiCd
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
Estimated value: $0 (free consumer drop-off)
- Cadmium
- Nickel compounds
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.
Why is cadmium the issue?
Cadmium is toxic if it enters soil or water from landfills. Recycling recovers it for new industrial uses.
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.
Recycling centers that accept Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd)
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept nickel-cadmium batteries (nicd). Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.