Battery Recycling and Disposal

Infographic showing not to throw away lithium ion or rechargeable batteries

Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are used every day in products like toys, e-bikes, and toothbrushes. As more people use these batteries, fires caused by damaged or improperly thrown away batteries have also become more and more common. Even a single battery placed in the trash or recycling can start a fire and put workers at risk, and severely damage waste collection trucks, equipment, and buildings.

Here are some steps for preparing your Lithium and Coin-Cell batteries for storage or transport:

Use as much of the remaining charge as possible before recycling or storing the batteries.
Cover the terminals with clear packing tape or place each battery in its own clear, sealable plastic bag.
Store the batteries in a non-metal container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

The above steps will help reduce the risk of sparks and ensure the batteries remain safe until you’re ready to drop them off for recycling.

Help prevent battery fires by learning how to identify different types of batteries and dispose of them the right way.

Learn more about preventing waste fires

Battery Types

Battery types, their common uses, and how to dispose of them safely.
Battery type	What to do with it
Alkaline and zinc-carbon (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) Single-use household batteries used in flashlights, remote controls, radios, clocks, and toys.	OK to puy in your household trash. Tape the terminals on 9-volts first — they can spark if they touch metal. Can also be recycled at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
Button-cell and coin Small, single-use round batteries used in watches, calculators, key fobs, hearing aids, cameras, and other wireless devices.	Swallowing hazard. Keep out of reach of children. Do not put in trash or recycling. Tape both sides and bring to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
Lithium and lithium-ion (Li, Li-ion) Usually rechargeable. Used in cell phones, laptops, tablets, drones, vape pens and e-cigarettes, e-bikes, power tools, and electric vehicles.	Fire risk. These cause most battery fires in collection trucks and at waste facilities. Do not put in trash or recycling. Bring to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Larger electric vehicle batteries are not accepted. Contact your dealer or an auto service center.
Rechargeable nickel batteries (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH) Rechargeable batteries used in cordless power tools, remote control devices, photographic equipment, and some electric vehicles.	Lower fire risk than lithium, but still a risk. Do not put in trash or recycling. Bring to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
Small sealed lead-acid (SLA, VRLA) Rechargeable batteries used in mobility scooters, ride-on toy cars, backup power supplies, and hospital equipment.	Can leak acid if cracked or damaged. Do not put in trash or recycling. Bring to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
Vehicle lead-acid (Pb) Rechargeable batteries used in cars, trucks, boats, and lawn tractors.	Can leak acid if cracked or damaged. Carry upright. Do not put in trash or recycling. Bring to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.