Where to Recycle Batteries, Including Lithium and Car Batteries

Batteries are everywhere: in remotes, toys, phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, smoke detectors, cars and lawn tractors. When they die, they shouldn't all go to the same place. Some are fine in the trash in many areas, some are valuable to recyclers, and some can start fires if they're tossed in with the garbage. Here's how to sort them out.

Why battery disposal matters

Two reasons stand out. First, many batteries contain metals like lead, nickel, cadmium, cobalt and lithium that can be recovered and reused. Second, lithium-ion batteries can catch fire when they're crushed, punctured or short-circuited, which happens in garbage trucks and recycling facilities more often than most people realize. Handling batteries properly protects collection workers and keeps useful materials out of landfills.

Single-use alkaline batteries

These are the everyday AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries. In many places, modern alkaline batteries can go in the household trash, because they no longer contain added mercury. Some states and communities require or encourage recycling them, and many drop-off sites accept them.

A few tips:

• 9-volt batteries have both terminals on top and can short against metal, so tape the terminals before storing or tossing them.
• Store used batteries in a non-metal container, not loose in a drawer with keys or coins.
• Check local rules, because some areas don't want any batteries in the trash.

Rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries include nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and lithium-ion (Li-ion). They're found in cordless tools, cameras, phones, laptops, handheld vacuums and more. They should be recycled, not trashed. Many hardware stores, electronics retailers and home improvement stores have battery recycling drop-off bins, and many household hazardous waste facilities accept them.

The Battery Network, formerly known as Call2Recycle, runs a large collection network. Its drop-off locator can help you find sites near you that accept rechargeable batteries.

Lithium batteries: the ones to be careful with

Lithium batteries come in two broad types:

• Lithium primary (single-use) batteries, such as some coin cells, camera batteries and "lithium" AA cells.
• Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries in phones, laptops, tablets, vapes, power tools, scooters and e-bikes.

Both can overheat or ignite if damaged or short-circuited. That's why:

• Never put lithium batteries in trash or curbside recycling bins.
• Tape the terminals or put each battery in its own plastic bag before you store or drop it off.
• Don't crush, puncture or try to take them apart.
• Handle swollen or damaged batteries with care. If a battery is puffy, hot, leaking or smells odd, put it in a non-flammable container, such as a metal can with sand, away from anything combustible, and contact a household hazardous waste program for instructions. Many standard retail drop-off bins don't accept damaged batteries.
• Leave batteries in devices when that's safer. For phones and laptops where the battery isn't meant to be removed, recycle the whole device at an electronics drop-off.

Large batteries from e-bikes, scooters and power equipment may need special handling. Check with the manufacturer, a bike shop, or an HHW facility.

Coin and button batteries

Small coin and button cells are a swallowing hazard for kids and pets. Store used ones out of reach, tape them, and recycle them at a drop-off that takes them.

Car, truck and other lead-acid batteries

Vehicle batteries are lead-acid batteries, and they're among the most recycled products around. Most places don't allow them in household trash. Options include:

• Auto parts stores, many of which accept used car batteries, especially when you buy a new one. Some states require retailers that sell batteries to take old ones back, and a "core charge" is often refunded when you return the old battery.
• Scrap metal recyclers, which may pay a little for lead-acid batteries.
• Transfer stations and HHW facilities.

Motorcycle, lawn tractor, boat and golf cart batteries are usually lead-acid too and go to the same places. Keep them upright, and carry them in a plastic tub in case of acid leaks. Wear gloves, because the terminals and case can have acid residue.

Batteries at retail drop-offs

Many retail stores take batteries back, and some are mapped in OpenStreetMap with tags showing which materials they accept. On Dumpmapper, those show up as Retail drop-off listings under the Batteries chip, but only when the map data confirms batteries are accepted. As with every listing, call ahead, because store programs change and not every location takes every type.

Storing batteries until you drop them off

• Keep a small plastic container or bag labeled for used batteries.
• Tape the terminals of lithium, 9-volt and button batteries, or bag each one individually.
• Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials.
• Don't let a huge pile build up; drop them off every few months.

Quick recap

Find battery drop-offs on our map with the batteries chip turned on, or see our shorter battery recycling guide.