Where can I recycle nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries near me?

Use the Call2Recycle locator to find a free drop-off, usually inside a hardware, home improvement, or electronics store. Municipal household hazardous waste facilities also accept NiCd cells.

Are NiCd batteries hazardous waste?

Yes. They contain cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, so they are classified as universal or hazardous waste. That is why nickel-cadmium batteries must be recycled rather than thrown away.

Can I throw Ni-Cd batteries in the trash?

No. Cadmium can leach into groundwater from landfills, and trash disposal is banned in several states. Always take Ni-Cd batteries to a battery drop-off or household hazardous waste site.

How do I tell if a battery is NiCd?

Look for 'Ni-Cd', 'NiCd', or 'nickel cadmium' printed on the cell, often with a 1.2V rating. Older cordless tools, two-way radios, and emergency lights commonly used them before NiMH and lithium-ion.

What is the difference between NiCd and NiMH disposal?

Both are rechargeable and should be recycled, but NiCd contains toxic cadmium and is more tightly regulated. NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) has no cadmium but is still recycled at the same drop-off points.

Batteries recycling

How to Recycle Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd)

Older rechargeable batteries, written NiCd or Ni-Cd, found in cordless power tools, two-way radios, emergency lighting, RC toys, and older cordless phones. Nickel-cadmium cells contain toxic cadmium, so NiCd disposal is regulated and recycling is required in many states.

Recyclable$0 (free to recycle; no payout)Updated Jun 2026

Quick answer

Yes, and you have to. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd, also written Ni-Cd) batteries contain toxic cadmium and are banned from household trash in many states. Do not throw NiCd cells away or put them in curbside recycling. Tape the terminals and drop them at a Call2Recycle point, a hardware or electronics store rechargeable-battery bin, or a household hazardous waste site.

Recyclable: Yes
Typical value: $0 (free to recycle; no payout)
Donate / take-back: Available

How to Prepare

1Discharge the battery fully in the device before removing it
2

How to Recycle Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd)

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How to Recycle Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd)

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