How to Recycle Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH / Ni-MH) rechargeable cells and packs used in rechargeable AA/AAA sets, older digital cameras, cordless phones, toys, and some hybrid-vehicle modules. Labels usually say NiMH and 1.2V.
Quick answer
Take NiMH rechargeables to a Battery Network / Call2Recycle box at Home Depot, Lowe's, or another partner that accepts rechargeable batteries. Tape the terminals first. NiMH is cadmium-free, unlike older NiCd, but it still does not belong in trash or curbside recycling.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- $0 (free consumer drop-off)
- Donate / take-back
- Available
- 1Finish the charge cycle or run the device down, then remove the cells
- 2Tape the positive terminal on each loose cell or cover pack contacts
- 3Keep NiMH out of a drawer with coins, keys, and other metal
- 4Do not put NiMH in household trash or blue bins
- 5Hybrid-vehicle NiMH modules need a dealer or specialist, not a storefront Battery Network box
- Battery Network / Call2Recycle boxes at hardware and home-improvement stores
- Electronics and camera stores
- Municipal HHW facilities
NiMH replaced many NiCd products because it contains no cadmium. Recyclers still want the nickel. Drop consumer cells at Battery Network partners (Home Depot, Lowe's, and many electronics stores). Do not open or incinerate the cells. Hybrid traction NiMH modules are out of scope for consumer retail bins.
Recycling recovers nickel and other metals from NiMH cells. NiMH has no cadmium, unlike NiCd, but landfill disposal still wastes the nickel and leaves loose cells that can short.
- Recharge the pack through its full cycle life before replacing it
- When buying new rechargeable AAs, prefer NiMH over leftover NiCd stock
Accepted
- NiMH AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V rechargeables
- NiMH packs from cameras, toys, and cordless gadgets
- Consumer NiMH tool packs within store weight limits
Not Accepted
- Trash or curbside recycling
- Full hybrid-vehicle NiMH traction modules at a consumer bin (use dealer/specialist)
- Damaged leaking packs without asking HHW first
Estimated value: $0 (free consumer drop-off)
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Nickel compounds
- Potassium hydroxide electrolyte
How do I recycle NiMH batteries?
Tape the terminals and drop them in a Battery Network or retailer rechargeable-battery bin. The service is free for consumer sizes.
Is NiMH safer than NiCd?
NiMH has no cadmium, so it is less toxic if mismanaged. Both chemistries should still be recycled, not trashed.
How do I tell NiMH from NiCd?
Read the print: NiMH / Ni-MH versus NiCd / Ni-Cd. Both are often 1.2V. When the label is gone, take it to the same rechargeable drop-off and let the sorter handle chemistry.
Can NiMH go in the trash?
Avoid it. EPA recommends keeping rechargeable batteries out of trash and municipal recycling bins. Use Battery Network or HHW.
Do Home Depot and Lowe's take NiMH?
Yes. Their Call2Recycle / Battery Network partnership covers consumer rechargeable chemistries including NiMH, within posted weight and watt-hour limits.
Recycling centers that accept Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept nickel-metal hydride batteries (nimh). Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.