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Compare nearby storage unitsBattery Recycling & Disposal Checker
Check how to recycle or dispose of alkaline, lithium-ion, NiCd, NiMH, lead-acid, button cell, and rechargeable batteries. Get safety steps before you search for a nearby drop-off location.
Safety note: Never put loose rechargeable, lithium-ion, swollen, leaking, or damaged batteries in curbside recycling carts. They can start fires in trucks and recycling facilities.
Identify Your Battery
Choose a battery type, or use the device field for a starting point. Device hints are not definitive: check the label and do not pry open a built-in battery pack.
Likely battery type
Based on your device, this is most often a Unknown battery type.Check the battery label to confirm.
Find a Drop-Off Site
Search RecycleFind for nearby battery, electronics, auto battery, or hazardous waste drop-off options.
Find Battery Drop-Off LocationsBattery RecyclingNiCd / nickel-cadmium battery
Older cordless power tools, emergency lighting, cordless phones, toys, and medical equipment
Special handling
Curbside recycling
No
Household trash
No
Best option
Take to a rechargeable battery drop-off site or household hazardous waste program.
How to prepare it for recycling or disposal
- 1Tape exposed terminals with clear packing tape or electrical tape.
- 2Keep loose NiCd batteries in a bag or non-metal container.
- 3Do not place NiCd batteries in curbside recycling carts.
NiCd batteries contain cadmium, so nickel-cadmium battery disposal should use a battery recycling or hazardous waste channel.
Quick battery disposal rules
Use these rules when you are sorting a drawer full of old batteries.
Do not put these in curbside bins
- Lithium-ion batteries
- NiCd and NiMH rechargeable batteries
- Button cell and coin batteries
- Lead-acid car batteries
- Swollen, leaking, hot, or damaged batteries
Better drop-off options
- Battery recycling collection boxes
- Household hazardous waste events
- Electronics recycling centers
- Hardware and office supply stores
- Auto parts stores for lead-acid batteries
Rechargeable batteries need a drop-off
Rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, and nickel-cadmium, should not go in curbside bins. Tape the terminals, keep damaged packs separate, and take them to a battery collection program or household hazardous waste site that lists your chemistry.
For older power-tool packs, cordless phones, and emergency lights, see where to recycle NiCd batteries and how to prepare them. Use local recycling center search to find places to call, and confirm they accept your pack before you go.
Can batteries go in the trash?
Rules vary by state and local program. Rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, button cells, lead-acid batteries, and damaged batteries should be handled as special drop-off items because they can contain metals, corrosive materials, or fire risks.
Single-use alkaline batteries are accepted in household trash in many places, but recycling is still preferred when a local battery collection option is available.
Battery disposal: frequently asked questions
How do I compare battery recycling services?
Compare accepted chemistries, household versus business eligibility, quantity limits, fees, preparation instructions, and whether damaged batteries are accepted. A convenient collection bin is not automatically suitable for every battery. Confirm the program's instructions before transporting or mailing a pack.
How do I recycle rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries usually need a store drop-off, battery recycling box, manufacturer take-back program, or household hazardous waste site. Tape exposed terminals before drop-off. Never put them in curbside recycling: sorting facilities are not equipped for them, and a damaged cell on a conveyor is a fire risk.
How do I dispose of swollen lithium-ion batteries?
Do not mail, crush, puncture, or place swollen lithium-ion batteries in regular trash or curbside recycling. Call your local hazardous-waste or battery program before moving it because not every drop-off accepts damaged cells. If a battery is hot, smoking, or on fire, move away and contact emergency services; do not handle it.
Where can I recycle batteries near me?
Start with local recycling centers, household hazardous waste programs, hardware stores, electronics retailers, and battery collection boxes. Many chains host free drop-off bins near the entrance. You can also use RecycleFind to search for nearby drop-off locations, and it is worth calling first because chemistries accepted vary by site.
Can I throw regular alkaline batteries in the trash?
Rules vary by state and locality. EPA advises checking state and local requirements; use a battery collection program where available, and verify local trash rules before disposing of single-use alkaline batteries.
Why do I need to tape battery terminals?
A battery can short if its terminals touch metal or another battery. For lithium-ion batteries, EPA recommends taping terminals and/or bagging each battery separately before drop-off; follow the collection program's preparation instructions for other types.
How do I dispose of a car battery?
Take it back to a retailer or a scrap yard, and expect to be paid or refunded rather than charged. Lead-acid batteries have a well-established recycling system and are among the most recycled consumer products in the country. Most states require sellers to accept an old battery when you buy a new one, and many charge a core fee up front that you get back when you return the old one. Keep it upright and avoid contact with the acid.
What about button cell and coin batteries?
Keep button and coin batteries away from children and pets, and use a battery collection program. Chemistry varies, so check the battery marking or ask the program how it should be prepared; do not assume all cells use the same chemistry or drop-off rules. If a child may have swallowed one, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Related battery recycling resources
Car Battery Scrap Value Calculator
Compare a lead-acid battery's scrap-yard value with the retailer core refund.
Battery Recycling
Browse battery types, safety tips, and recycling methods.
Electronics Recycling Guide
Prepare devices with rechargeable batteries safely and protect your data.
Is It Recyclable?
Search battery-related items and other household materials.
Recycling Center Search
Search for drop-off locations and recycling facilities near you.