Recycling batteries
Batteries are not a single material, and they should not be treated like a can or a bottle. The chemistry — written on the label, not guessed from the shape or color — decides how to handle them when they are spent. Some everyday alkaline cells can go in the household trash in many communities. Lithium-ion, rechargeable, button, and lead-acid batteries should not. Loose lithium batteries in a trash or recycling cart are a fire hazard in trucks and at sorting plants.
The official consumer overview is EPA’s Used Household Batteries page, with a separate guide to used lithium-ion batteries. This page summarizes that guidance and points you to drop-offs. It is not a do-it-yourself processing manual.
The short safety rule
EPA’s instruction is direct: certain batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. To reduce fire risk from lithium-ion cells, tape the terminals and/or place each battery in its own plastic bag, and take them to a battery recycler or a household hazardous waste collection. Batteries can still hold enough energy to injure or start a fire after they appear to be dead. Do not cut, crush, or open them. Damaged, swollen, or leaking batteries need extra care; contact the manufacturer or a local hazardous-waste program rather than putting them in a mailbox or a cart.
Single-use household batteries
Alkaline and zinc-carbon cells (the familiar AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries in remotes, flashlights, and toys) are the common single-use type. EPA says that in most communities they can be safely put in household trash, and it still recommends sending them to a battery recycler or checking with the local solid-waste authority when a recycling option exists.
Button-cell or coin batteries are different. They have historically contained silver, cadmium, mercury, or other metals; EPA says most today are lithium metal. They are used in watches, hearing aids, key fobs, and some medical devices, and they are a swallowing hazard for young children. Management depends on chemistry. Take them to a battery recycler, a retailer take-back, or a household hazardous waste program — not the mixed-recycling cart.
Single-use lithium metal batteries (look for the word “lithium” on the cell) also belong in a dedicated collection, not the cart. EPA discusses them on the lithium-ion page alongside rechargeable Li-ion packs, because both present handling and fire issues.
Rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries
Rechargeable packs — lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-zinc, and small sealed lead-acid — are used in phones, laptops, power tools, cameras, e-readers, e-cigarettes, some toys and appliances, and backup power supplies. EPA’s recommendation is not to put rechargeable batteries in the trash or in municipal recycling bins.
If the battery comes out of the device, take the battery to a specialized recycler, a participating retailer, or an HHW program. If it is built in, take the whole device to a certified electronics recycler or an electronics collection. See Computers & Electronics and Electronic Recycling.
A national locator is The Battery Network’s drop-off map (Call2Recycle now redirects there). Earth911 and your city or county HHW page are also useful. Tape terminals or bag each battery separately before you transport it.
Automotive and other lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid starting batteries are one of the most successful recycling streams in the country. EPA’s National Overview lists lead-acid batteries among the most-recycled products in 2018, at 2.9 million tons recycled, with a 99 percent recycling rate. EPA also warns that these batteries can contain lead and corrosive sulfuric acid. Return them to a battery retailer or to a household hazardous waste program. Do not put them in the trash or the recycling cart.
Larger lithium packs in plug-in or hybrid vehicles, and home energy-storage batteries, are not a curbside item. EPA says to contact the dealer, installer, or manufacturer. Do not attempt to remove a high-voltage pack yourself unless the manufacturer’s instructions say you may.
Mail-in devices, not loose batteries
The Recycle Guide’s free mail-in option is for cell phones, tablets, and laptops (and for stainless steel cups), shipped to 16144 N. Main St, Jacksonville, FL 32218. You pay postage, and no form is needed. Leave the battery in the device. Do not mail loose lithium batteries, and do not mail a device with a swollen or damaged battery. Those go to a local drop-off. USPS rules for devices that still contain lithium batteries are in Publication 52, section 349.
More on household hazardous waste is at EPA’s HHW page. For other materials, see Recyclable Materials.
Frequently asked questions
Can batteries go in the recycling cart?
No. Lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries, button cells, and lead-acid batteries should never go in a trash or recycling cart. In most communities, ordinary alkaline cells may go in the trash, though EPA still encourages a battery recycler when one is available.
How do I tell battery types apart?
Read the marking on the cell or pack. EPA says battery types are identified by labeling, not by shape or the color of the wrapper. Look for words such as alkaline, lithium, Li-ion, Ni-Cd, or Ni-MH.
Where do I take rechargeable or lithium batteries?
Use The Battery Network locator (the current Call2Recycle site), a participating retailer, a household hazardous waste event, or a certified electronics recycler if the battery is still inside a device.
What should I do with a car battery?
Return a lead-acid battery to a retailer or an HHW program. EPA reports a 99 percent recycling rate for lead-acid batteries in 2018, with 2.9 million tons recycled. Do not put it in the cart.
Can I mail loose batteries to The Recycle Guide?
No. The mail-in program is for phones, tablets, laptops, and stainless steel cups, with device batteries left installed, and only if those batteries are not damaged. Loose or damaged lithium batteries belong at a local drop-off, not in the mail.