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Compare nearby storage unitsAre Batteries Recyclable?
electronics • Various (Alkaline, Lithium-ion, Lead-acid)
Special Handling Required
⚠️ This item requires SPECIAL HANDLING and cannot go in curbside bins.
Why It's Not Recyclable
Batteries require special recycling because they contain heavy metals, corrosive chemicals, and valuable materials that can be both hazardous to the environment and economically valuable when properly recovered. Common household batteries contain metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, lead, mercury, cadmium, and zinc – materials that can leach into soil and groundwater if disposed of in landfills, potentially causing long-term environmental contamination. At the same time, these metals are finite resources that can be recovered and reused in manufacturing new batteries and other products, making battery recycling both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. Different battery chemistries require different recycling processes: alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) contain zinc and manganese; lithium-ion batteries contain lithium, cobalt, and nickel; lead-acid batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid; and button cell batteries may contain mercury or lithium. Modern recycling facilities use specialized processes like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy to safely extract and purify these materials. The recycling process not only prevents environmental contamination but also reduces the need for mining new metals, conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of battery production.
How to Recycle
Never put batteries in regular trash or curbside recycling bins – they require special collection and processing. For household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), take them to collection sites at electronics retailers like Best Buy, Staples, or Home Depot, which often have battery recycling kiosks near their entrances. Many pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid also accept household batteries. For rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride), use the Call2Recycle program – search their website for nearby drop-off locations including libraries, schools, and retail stores. Car batteries (lead-acid) can be returned to auto parts stores, service stations, or automotive retailers, many of which offer core credits when you purchase a replacement. For specialized batteries like button cells from watches or hearing aids, take them to jewelry stores, watch repair shops, or hearing aid centers. Some municipalities hold hazardous waste collection events that accept all battery types. Before transport, tape over battery terminals with clear tape to prevent short circuits, and store different battery types separately.
Preparation Steps:
Tape over positive and negative terminals with clear tape to prevent short circuits during transport and storage. Remove batteries from devices when possible. Keep different battery chemistries (alkaline, lithium, lead-acid) separated. Do not attempt to disassemble or puncture batteries.
Disposal Method
Never throw batteries in trash or curbside recycling. Find a Call2Recycle drop-off location.
Special Recycling Programs
Call2Recycle operates the largest battery recycling program in North America with over 25,000 drop-off locations including Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, Staples, and participating libraries and schools. Auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA accept car batteries. Many electronics manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, and Dell offer take-back programs for device batteries. Earth911.com provides a battery recycling locator by ZIP code.
Alternatives
- Rechargeable batteries for frequently replaced items
- Solar-powered devices that eliminate battery need
- USB rechargeable electronics
- Hand-crank powered devices
- Plug-in alternatives for battery-operated appliances
Common Brands
Duracell
Energizer
Rayovac
Kirkland Signature
AmazonBasics
Panasonic
Sony
Samsung
LG Chem
Tesla
Interstate Batteries
Optima
Die Hard
ACDelco
Bosch
Quick Facts
Category
electronics
Material Type
Various (Alkaline, Lithium-ion, Lead-acid)
Curbside Recyclable
No
Special Programs
Available
Go from quick answer to local action
Quick answers about batteries
Can you recycle batteries?
Not in the regular bin. This item needs special handling or a dedicated drop-off. Batteries require special recycling because they contain heavy metals, corrosive chemicals, and valuable materials that can be both hazardous to the environment and economically valuable when properly recovered. Common household batteries contain metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, lead, mercury, cadmium, and zinc – materials that can leach into soil and groundwater if disposed of in landfills, potentially causing long-term environmental contamination. At the same time, these metals are finite resources that can be recovered and reused in manufacturing new batteries and other products, making battery recycling both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. Different battery chemistries require different recycling processes: alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) contain zinc and manganese; lithium-ion batteries contain lithium, cobalt, and nickel; lead-acid batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid; and button cell batteries may contain mercury or lithium. Modern recycling facilities use specialized processes like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy to safely extract and purify these materials. The recycling process not only prevents environmental contamination but also reduces the need for mining new metals, conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of battery production.
How do you recycle or dispose of batteries?
Never put batteries in regular trash or curbside recycling bins – they require special collection and processing. For household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), take them to collection sites at electronics retailers like Best Buy, Staples, or Home Depot, which often have battery recycling kiosks near their entrances. Many pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid also accept household batteries. For rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride), use the Call2Recycle program – search their website for nearby drop-off locations including libraries, schools, and retail stores. Car batteries (lead-acid) can be returned to auto parts stores, service stations, or automotive retailers, many of which offer core credits when you purchase a replacement. For specialized batteries like button cells from watches or hearing aids, take them to jewelry stores, watch repair shops, or hearing aid centers. Some municipalities hold hazardous waste collection events that accept all battery types. Before transport, tape over battery terminals with clear tape to prevent short circuits, and store different battery types separately.
Do you need to prepare batteries before recycling it?
Tape over positive and negative terminals with clear tape to prevent short circuits during transport and storage. Remove batteries from devices when possible. Keep different battery chemistries (alkaline, lithium, lead-acid) separated. Do not attempt to disassemble or puncture batteries.