Recycling batteries
Recycling batteries is a critical practice to recover valuable minerals, protect the environment from toxic chemicals, and prevent dangerous fires in waste facilities.
Quick Disposal Guide
- Never put rechargeable, lithium-ion, or automotive batteries in your regular household trash or curbside recycling bins. They are a major fire hazard.
- Tape the terminals: Before recycling, place non-conductive tape (like clear packing or electrical tape) over the metal terminals of batteries to prevent them from sparking.
- Use a locator tool: The easiest way to find a drop-off site is to use Call2Recycle or Earth911. Simply enter your zip code to see nearby retailers (such as Best Buy, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s) and hazardous waste facilities.
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Battery Types & Management
| Battery Type | Can it go in the trash? | How to Recycle |
|---|---|---|
| Alkaline (Single-Use) | Usually Yes* | Often can be tossed, but check local rules. |
| Rechargeable (Li-ion, Ni-Cd) | No | Take to retail drop-offs or hazardous waste sites. |
| Lithium (Single-Use) | No | Treat like rechargeables; drop off at specialized sites. |
| Automotive (Lead-Acid) | No | Return to auto parts stores or hazardous waste centers. |
\Note: In states like California, it is illegal to throw away any type of battery, including alkaline. Always check your local municipal guidelines.*
Why It Matters
- Safety: Improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries frequently cause fires in trash trucks and processing facilities.
- Resource Recovery: Recycling allows the extraction of critical materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel, which can be reused to create new products.
- Environmental Protection: It keeps hazardous substances like mercury and lead out of landfills and groundwater.