How to Dispose of or Recycle Used Batteries

This guide explains how to safely dispose of or recycle used batteries in the United States. You’ll learn which batteries go where, how to prepare them for drop-off, and what to avoid. By following these steps, you help prevent fires in trash trucks and recycling facilities and keep toxic metals out of landfills.

What You’ll Need

• Clear tape (electrical tape or masking tape works)
• A non-conductive container (cardboard box or plastic tub)
• Zip-top plastic bags (for leaking or damaged batteries)
• Access to a local battery drop-off location (see Step 3)

Step-by-Step

1. Identify the battery type. Look for the label on the battery. Common types: alkaline (AA, AAA, 9V), lithium-ion (rechargeable, often in phones and laptops), lead-acid (car batteries), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and button cell (watch/hearing aid). The type determines where it can go.
2. Check for damage. If a battery is swollen, leaking, or corroded, handle it with gloves and place it in a zip-top bag immediately. Do not tape it—just isolate it.
3. Find a drop-off location. Many home improvement stores (like Home Depot or Lowe’s), electronics retailers (like Best Buy), and some auto parts stores accept batteries. For rechargeable batteries, use the Call2Recycle locator on their website. For car batteries, most auto shops and scrap metal yards accept them. Check with your local waste management department for household hazardous waste events.
4. Prepare the battery terminals. For batteries that are not damaged, tape the positive terminal (the raised end) with a small piece of clear tape. This prevents short-circuiting if the battery touches metal. For 9V batteries, tape both terminals. For button cells, tape the entire top surface.
5. Place batteries in a non-conductive container. Use a cardboard box or plastic tub. Do not use metal containers. Keep batteries loose, not in a single plastic bag, unless they are damaged.
6. Transport them carefully. Carry the container in your car’s cabin, not the trunk if it’s hot out. Avoid mixing battery types in the same bag—keep lithium and alkaline separate.
7. Drop off at the designated location. Follow the store’s instructions. Some have bins near the entrance; others require you to hand them to an employee. For car batteries, return the old one when you buy a new one—most retailers will take it back.
8. For alkaline batteries in some states: If you live in California, you must recycle them. In other states, it’s legal to throw alkaline batteries in the trash, but recycling is better. If you choose to trash them, still tape the terminals and place them in a clear plastic bag.

Common Mistakes

• Throwing lithium-ion batteries in the trash. These are highly reactive and can start fires in garbage trucks and landfills. Always recycle them.
• Not taping terminals. A loose battery in a drawer or box can touch a coin or another battery and short-circuit, causing heat or fire.
• Putting batteries in a metal container. Metal conducts electricity and increases the risk of short-circuiting.
• Mixing damaged and undamaged batteries. A leaking battery can contaminate others. Keep them separate.
• Assuming all stores take all types. Many stores only accept rechargeable batteries, not alkaline. Always check the sign or ask.
• Curbside recycling bins. Most municipal recycling programs do NOT accept batteries. Putting them in your curbside bin can cause fires at recycling plants.

Tips

• Store used batteries in a cool, dry place. Heat accelerates chemical reactions and can cause leaks.
• Use a dedicated container. Keep a small box or jar labeled “Used Batteries” so you collect them over time instead of leaving them loose in a drawer.
• Check for store-specific programs. Some retailers give discounts or rewards for recycling batteries. Ask at the customer service desk.
• For button cell batteries: These often contain silver or mercury. Check with jewelry stores, hearing aid centers, or your local hazardous waste facility.
• When in doubt, call your local waste authority. They can tell you exactly what’s accepted in your area.

Troubleshooting

No store nearby accepts batteries. Check for a local household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event. Many counties hold these a few times a year. You can also mail-in recycling programs exist (like Call2Recycle’s mail-in boxes), though they may cost money.

The battery is leaking white powder. This is potassium hydroxide from alkaline batteries. It’s not extremely dangerous but can irritate skin. Wear gloves, place the battery in a zip-top bag, and wipe the container it was in with a damp cloth. Dispose of the gloves and cloth as household waste.

The battery is swollen. This is a sign of a failing lithium-ion battery. Do not puncture it. Place it in a fireproof container (like a metal can with a lid) and take it to a drop-off immediately. If it’s very swollen, contact your local fire department for guidance.

You’re not sure if a store accepts batteries. Call ahead and ask. Many stores have specific policies—some only take rechargeable, some only take certain sizes.

The drop-off bin is full. Don’t leave batteries on top of the bin. Ask an employee when they’ll empty it, or take them to another location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw alkaline batteries in the regular trash? In most states, yes, but it’s not recommended. Since the 1990s, alkaline batteries have been mercury-free, so they’re not considered hazardous in most places. However, recycling is better for the environment. Check your local laws.

Are rechargeable batteries more dangerous than alkaline? Yes. Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries can overheat and catch fire if damaged or short-circuited. They must be recycled.

What do I do with a car battery? Car batteries are lead-acid and are almost always accepted at auto parts stores, scrap yards, and some recycling centers. Many places will pay you a small amount for the scrap value. Never put them in the trash.

Can I recycle batteries in my curbside bin? No. Curbside recycling programs are not equipped to handle batteries. They can cause fires at sorting facilities. Always take them to a designated drop-off.

What happens to recycled batteries? They are sorted by type, then processed to recover metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and lead. These materials are used to make new batteries and other products.

How should I store batteries before recycling? Keep them in a non-conductive container (cardboard or plastic), tape the terminals, and keep them away from metal objects and heat. Do not store them in a metal tin.

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