How Do You Dispose of Lithium Batteries?

When Sarah’s phone battery swelled unexpectedly last month, she faced a dilemma thousands encounter daily: a potentially hazardous lithium battery with no clear disposal path. Like many, she initially considered tossing it in the trash—a decision that could have sparked a garbage truck fire. This scenario plays out across the United States as consumers replace smartphones, laptops, and power tools, generating millions of spent lithium batteries annually. The proper management of these power sources extends beyond simple environmental stewardship; it represents a critical safety imperative and an economic opportunity to recover valuable critical minerals.

The Critical Value of Proper Lithium Battery Management

Lithium batteries form the energy backbone of modern life, powering everything from medical devices to electric vehicles. Understanding their proper end-of-life management delivers benefits across three essential dimensions: safety, resource conservation, and regulatory compliance.

The Safety Imperative: Lithium-ion batteries contain volatile electrolytes and reactive materials that create genuine fire hazards when damaged or improperly handled. According to research published in Nature Reviews Clean Technology in January 2025, fires at waste management facilities linked to lithium batteries increased 42% from 2023 to 2024. These batteries remain energized even when depleted, with residual charges capable of igniting when terminals contact metal objects or when cells are crushed in compacting equipment. The thermal runaway phenomenon—where damaged cells trigger chain reactions—can cause fires that burn at temperatures exceeding 1,000°F and reignite days after apparent extinguishment.

Resource Recovery Value: The environmental case for responsible disposal centers on critical mineral conservation. Lithium-ion batteries contain cobalt, lithium, nickel, and manganese—materials the U.S. Geological Survey classifies as critical minerals due to supply chain vulnerabilities. A 2025 Nature Communications study revealed that China’s electric vehicle ambitions alone will create demand exceeding 2022 global production levels by 54-fold for cobalt and 116-fold for manganese by 2060. Recycling batteries allows recovery of up to 93% of these materials through hydrometallurgical processes, significantly reducing mining impacts. The lithium-ion battery recycling market, valued at $7.2 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $23.9 billion by 2030—reflecting both the volume of end-of-life batteries and the economic value of recovered materials.

Regulatory Framework: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) classifies most lithium-ion batteries as hazardous waste when discarded, assigning waste codes D001 (ignitable) and D003 (reactive). While this classification exempts household generators from commercial hazardous waste regulations, it underscores the serious nature of these materials. The Department of Transportation’s “Check the Box” campaign, launched after shipping incidents, mandates specific packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements for batteries in transit. Businesses generating spent lithium batteries must comply with hazardous waste generator regulations, including manifesting, training, and facility requirements. Several states have enacted extended producer responsibility legislation requiring manufacturers to establish takeback programs.

The convergence of fire risk, resource scarcity, and regulatory pressure creates a compelling case for systematic battery management. For individual consumers, proper disposal eliminates household hazards while contributing to circular economy initiatives. For businesses, especially those handling batteries at scale, establishing compliant disposal protocols mitigates liability exposure and operational risk.

Three Essential Preparation Steps Before Disposal

Safely preparing lithium batteries for recycling requires specific procedures that minimize fire risk and facilitate proper handling downstream. These preparation protocols apply whether you’re managing a single smartphone battery or coordinating disposal for a small business.

Step 1: Battery Identification and Assessment

Begin by confirming the battery chemistry. Lithium batteries display distinctive markings that differentiate them from alkaline or nickel-based cells. Check for labels indicating “Li-ion,” “Lithium Ion,” or the recycling symbol with “Li-ion” text. Common applications include:

Consumer electronics: Smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, e-readers
Power tools: Cordless drills, impact drivers, circular saws
Personal mobility: E-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards
Household items: Wireless headphones, smart watches, portable speakers

Assess the battery’s physical condition carefully. Damaged batteries require special handling. Warning signs include:

Visible swelling or bulging of the battery case
Casing cracks or punctures exposing internal components
Hissing sounds indicating gas release
Unusual heat generation even when not in use
Leaking fluids or corrosion on terminals

A downtown Portland small business learned this lesson when a swollen laptop battery ignited during routine storage, causing $40,000 in inventory damage. Had staff recognized the warning signs and isolated the damaged unit, the incident could have been prevented entirely.

Step 2: Terminal Protection and Isolation

Terminal protection represents the most critical fire prevention measure. Battery terminals create short-circuit risks when they contact other batteries or conductive materials. The EPA recommends covering terminals with non-conductive tape before storage or transport.

Proper Terminal Protection Procedure:

Identify terminals – Locate the positive and negative connection points, typically metal contacts on one end of the battery
Select appropriate tape – Use electrical tape (preferred) or any non-metallic adhesive tape; avoid duct tape with metallic threading
Cover completely – Apply tape across all terminal points, ensuring full coverage
Individual isolation – Alternatively, place each battery in a separate plastic bag, which isolates terminals and contains any potential leakage

For batteries still installed in devices, determine whether removal is feasible. Consumer electronics with user-accessible battery compartments allow easy extraction. However, many modern devices—particularly smartphones and wireless earbuds—use permanently integrated batteries. For these units, research the manufacturer’s specific guidance. Apple, Samsung, and most major electronics manufacturers maintain detailed recycling instructions on their support websites.

Step 3: Temporary Storage Protocols

Properly storing prepared batteries until disposal prevents degradation and maintains safety. Unlike alkaline batteries that can sit indefinitely, lithium batteries require more careful management.

Storage Best Practices:

Container selection: Use rigid, non-conductive containers such as plastic storage bins or cardboard boxes with lids. Avoid metal containers that could create conductive pathways. A freelance photographer in Austin, Texas, established a simple system using a labeled plastic bin in his garage, accumulating batteries over three months before a scheduled recycling event—a practical approach that maintained safety while minimizing trips to drop-off locations.

Environmental conditions: Store batteries at room temperature in dry locations. The EPA’s technical guidance notes that extreme temperatures accelerate battery degradation. Avoid locations exposed to direct sunlight, such as vehicle dashboards or near heating systems. Conversely, extremely cold environments can affect battery chemistry. Indoor storage at 60-75°F represents the optimal range.

Duration limits: While lithium batteries maintain charge longer than other chemistries, prolonged storage increases risk. Aim to dispose of batteries within 3-6 months of removal from service. Batteries stored longer than six months should be inspected for swelling or other degradation signs before transport.

Access restrictions: Store batteries away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets. Small button-cell lithium batteries pose particular ingestion hazards—according to the National Capital Poison Center, button battery ingestions cause serious injury or death in children more frequently than any other battery type.

These preparation steps transform potentially hazardous items into safely managed materials ready for proper recycling channels.

Five Verified Disposal Pathways

Multiple disposal options exist for lithium batteries, each offering distinct advantages based on battery quantity, location, and convenience preferences. Understanding these pathways enables selection of the most practical approach for your situation.

Pathway 1: National Retail Collection Programs

Call2Recycle operates the largest nonprofit battery collection network in North America, with over 25,000 drop-off locations accepting rechargeable batteries up to 11 pounds and 300 watt-hours. This free program provides the most accessible option for most consumers.

How to utilize retail collection:

Visit the Call2Recycle website locator tool and enter your ZIP code
Identify participating retailers nearby—most Home Depot, Lowe’s, Staples, and Best Buy locations participate
Prepare batteries following terminal protection protocols
Drop batteries in designated collection boxes typically located near customer service desks or store entrances
No appointment necessary, no fees charged

Limitations to consider: The 11-pound weight limit excludes larger batteries from e-bikes, electric lawnmowers, and power tools requiring professional-grade equipment. Individual stores may temporarily suspend acceptance if collection bins reach capacity, so calling ahead prevents wasted trips during peak periods.

An e-commerce business in Denver developed an efficient routine, collecting employee personal device batteries monthly and designating one staff member to drop accumulated batteries at the nearby Home Depot during regular errands—a minimal-effort approach that ensured compliant disposal.

Pathway 2: Household Hazardous Waste Facilities

Municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) programs accept a broader range of battery types and sizes than retail programs. These facilities handle damaged batteries, large battery packs, and other hazardous household materials in a single drop-off.

Locating and using HHW facilities:

Many counties operate permanent HHW facilities with regular hours, while others schedule periodic collection events. Search “[your county] household hazardous waste” or check your local government’s environmental services website. Collection events often occur quarterly or semi-annually at designated locations like fairgrounds or municipal parking lots.

What HHW programs accept:

All sizes of lithium and lithium-ion batteries
Damaged or swollen batteries requiring special handling
E-bike and electric scooter batteries
Large battery packs from power tools
Batteries still integrated in devices

Cost considerations: Most residential HHW drop-off is free, funded through local taxes or disposal fees. Some jurisdictions charge modest fees for large quantities or commercial generators. For example, a small business bringing 50+ batteries might incur $25-75 in disposal fees, while typical household quantities remain no-cost.

Pathway 3: Manufacturer Takeback Programs

Major electronics and battery manufacturers increasingly offer direct takeback programs, sometimes providing prepaid shipping labels or store credit incentives. This pathway serves consumers comfortable with mail-based return processes and those seeking manufacturer-specific recycling verification.

Prominent manufacturer programs:

Apple: Trade-in and recycling program accepts all Apple products with integrated batteries; offers credit toward new purchases or free recycling via mail or retail stores

Samsung: Galaxy Upcycling program and retail collection at Samsung Experience Stores; mail-in options available through partnership with certified recyclers

DeWalt/Milwaukee/Ryobi: Tool battery collection programs at authorized service centers and participating retailers; some offer partial credit toward replacement battery purchases

Tesla/Other EV manufacturers: Specialized programs for electric vehicle battery packs requiring professional removal and transportation

Implementation approach:

Check the manufacturer’s website sustainability or recycling section
Review specific eligibility requirements and battery types accepted
Request prepaid shipping materials if using mail-in options
Follow packaging instructions precisely—improper packaging violates DOT shipping regulations
Retain confirmation of shipment for your records

The mail-in pathway particularly benefits individuals with mobility limitations or those in rural areas distant from drop-off locations. However, Department of Transportation regulations require specific packaging protocols for lithium batteries sent via mail, including proper labeling and quantity limits per package.

Pathway 4: Specialty Battery Recycling Services

Businesses generating significant battery volumes or handling specialized battery types may require commercial recycling services. Companies like Battery Solutions, Li-Cycle, and Retriev Technologies offer comprehensive collection, transportation, and recycling services tailored to commercial clients.

Commercial recycling arrangements typically include:

Provision of compliant storage containers
Scheduled pickup services (monthly, quarterly, or as-needed)
Regulatory documentation and manifesting
Certificates of recycling for compliance verification
Handling of damaged, defective, or recalled batteries

Cost structure: Commercial battery recycling operates on a fee-for-service basis, with pricing influenced by battery quantity, types, condition, and location. A 50-employee office might pay $200-400 annually for quarterly pickups, while larger operations negotiate volume-based pricing.

A marketing agency in Boston implementing a commercial battery recycling program discovered that centralizing collection eliminated the fragmented disposal approach where individual employees handled their own batteries inconsistently. The $300 annual cost proved negligible compared to the risk mitigation and compliance assurance gained.

Pathway 5: Scrap Metal Dealers and Secondary Markets

Some scrap metal dealers purchase lithium batteries for the recoverable metal content, offering payment based on weight and current commodity prices. This pathway typically serves businesses or individuals accumulating substantial battery quantities.

Important limitations:

Not all scrap dealers accept lithium batteries due to fire hazard concerns
Payment rates vary significantly based on battery chemistry and market conditions
Dealers must comply with environmental regulations and maintain proper certifications
Damaged batteries typically face rejection by scrap dealers due to safety risks

Before pursuing this option, verify the dealer’s legitimate certification as a battery recycler. The EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulates hazardous waste management, requiring proper licensing for businesses accepting lithium batteries. Request copies of permits and certifications to confirm compliance.

Navigating Different Battery Scenarios

Real-world battery disposal rarely fits neat categories. Understanding how to handle common scenarios ensures safe, compliant disposal regardless of circumstances.

Scenario 1: Integrated Batteries That Cannot Be Removed

Modern electronics increasingly incorporate batteries sealed within devices, preventing easy removal. Smartphones, wireless earbuds, fitness trackers, and similar devices typically feature integrated batteries designed for professional disassembly only.

Recommended approach: Bring the entire device to an electronics recycling location rather than attempting battery extraction. Most retail collection programs accept devices containing batteries. Best Buy’s electronics recycling accepts three items per household per day free of charge, including devices with integrated batteries up to certain size limits. Municipal e-waste collection events also accommodate complete devices.

Never attempt to forcibly remove integrated batteries. Prying open sealed devices risks puncturing battery cells, creating immediate fire hazards and potentially releasing toxic electrolytes. A California consumer suffered second-degree burns attempting to extract an iPhone battery using improper tools—the cell ruptured, igniting the flammable electrolyte.

Scenario 2: Damaged or Swollen Batteries

Batteries showing physical damage require elevated caution. Swelling indicates internal gas buildup from chemical degradation, signaling potential thermal runaway risk.

Immediate actions for damaged batteries:

Isolate immediately – Move the battery or device away from flammable materials to a non-combustible surface like concrete or metal
Contain if safe – If no immediate fire risk appears, place the damaged battery in a metal container filled with sand, vermiculite, or kitty litter—materials that suppress fires and contain leaks
Contact authorities – For business settings, consult your hazardous waste coordinator; residential situations warrant contacting local fire departments if imminent danger exists
Specialized disposal – Call2Recycle offers damaged battery collection kits for purchase ($30-150 depending on kit size) that include fire-resistant packaging meeting DOT specifications
Never ship damaged batteries via standard mail services

Scenario 3: Large-Format Batteries (E-bikes, EVs, Power Equipment)

Electric bicycle batteries, electric vehicle battery packs, and industrial equipment batteries exceed typical collection program parameters, requiring specialized handling.

E-bike and scooter batteries (most common):

Many manufacturers provide takeback programs through dealers
Call2Recycle’s e-bike battery program accepts batteries up to 25 pounds through designated collection sites—check their website for participating locations
Battery capacity exceeding 300 watt-hours may face restrictions; verify before transport

Electric vehicle batteries:

EV dealerships typically coordinate battery disposal through manufacturer programs
Batteries retaining 70%+ capacity often enter “second-life” applications for stationary energy storage before recycling
Professional removal required—never attempt DIY battery removal from EVs due to high-voltage risks

Industrial and commercial equipment:

Contact equipment manufacturers or dealers for authorized service centers handling battery replacement and disposal
Commercial-grade batteries may qualify as hazardous waste requiring licensed transporters and manifest documentation

Scenario 4: Bulk Quantities from Business Operations

Businesses accumulating numerous batteries face different requirements than household generators. A small retail shop replacing point-of-sale device batteries monthly, for instance, needs systematic disposal protocols.

Business battery management framework:

Establish internal collection: Designate specific containers for spent battery collection across your facility. Label clearly to prevent contamination with regular trash streams. Train staff on identification and proper storage.

Document quantities: Maintain records of battery types and approximate quantities for regulatory reporting if you exceed small quantity generator thresholds under RCRA (more than 220 pounds per month).

Select appropriate service: For modest quantities (fewer than 50 batteries monthly), retail drop-off programs may suffice. Higher volumes justify commercial recycling service contracts providing scheduled pickup and compliance documentation.

Review insurance coverage: Verify your general liability policy addresses hazardous materials handling and storage. Some policies require specific riders for battery storage on premises.

Scenario 5: Emergency Situations

Occasionally batteries exhibit critical warning signs requiring immediate response rather than normal disposal channels.

Signs of imminent hazard:

Active smoking or sparking from battery
Rapid temperature increase causing heat that’s painful to touch
Strong chemical odor suggesting electrolyte leakage
Visible flames or sustained combustion

Emergency response protocol:

For active battery fires, traditional extinguishment methods prove ineffective. Lithium fires require special Class D fire extinguishers or large volumes of water—typical ABC extinguishers used for common fires don’t suppress lithium effectively. If safe to do so, move nearby flammable materials away. Evacuate the area and call 911 immediately. Never attempt to manually extinguish a lithium battery fire without appropriate equipment and training.

Fire departments maintain specific protocols for lithium battery incidents, including specialized containment and extended monitoring, since these batteries can reignite hours after apparent extinguishment.

Implementation Framework for Safe Disposal

Translating disposal knowledge into consistent practice requires establishing simple, repeatable systems. Whether managing household batteries or coordinating business-wide collection, structured approaches ensure nothing falls through gaps.

For Households: The Three-Bin Method

Create an efficient home battery management system using three designated containers:

Bin 1: Active Collection
Keep a small container (shoebox-sized plastic bin) in a convenient location—kitchen drawer, garage workbench, or home office. When removing spent batteries from devices, immediately prepare them (terminal tape) and place in this bin. This captures batteries at the point of generation before they migrate into junk drawers or get discarded improperly.

Bin 2: Pre-Disposal Storage
Once the active collection bin fills (typically 10-15 batteries for most households), transfer contents to a larger storage container kept in a garage or utility area. This staging area accumulates batteries over 2-3 months until disposal trips become worthwhile. Label the container clearly and keep away from heat sources and flammable materials.

Bin 3: Damaged/Problem Batteries
Maintain a small metal container (coffee can with lid) filled with sand or kitty litter specifically for any batteries showing damage or degradation. This container provides immediate containment if you identify swelling or other warning signs. Keep this container separate from other battery storage and plan for prompt specialized disposal.

Set calendar reminders quarterly to empty staging storage, coordinating disposal trips with other errands near retail collection points or HHW facility hours.

For Small Businesses: Compliance-Ready Collection Systems

Businesses face heightened regulatory scrutiny and potential liability. A systematic approach addresses both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Designate a battery coordinator: Assign one employee responsibility for battery management oversight, including maintaining collection containers, coordinating disposal, and retaining documentation. This role requires minimal time (1-2 hours quarterly for typical small businesses) but ensures consistent execution.

Create collection stations: Position labeled battery collection containers in logical locations—IT departments, breakrooms, maintenance shops. Use standardized signage explaining what to deposit and basic preparation requirements.

Implement check-in procedures: When employees replace device batteries, require brief documentation noting device type, battery type, and date. This simple log provides quantity tracking for regulatory reporting and helps identify patterns suggesting device replacement needs.

Schedule regular disposal: Establish recurring disposal services matched to your volume. Monthly pickups suit businesses generating 50+ batteries monthly; quarterly service works for smaller volumes. Calendar-based schedules prevent accumulation beyond safe or legal limits.

Maintain compliance records: Retain documentation including disposal manifests, recycling certificates, training records, and quantity logs for at least three years. These records prove regulatory compliance if questions arise.

Budget appropriately: Factor battery disposal into operational budgets. A 25-employee office typically spends $150-300 annually on compliant battery disposal—minimal compared to potential fines for improper disposal or costs from fire incidents.

Creating Disposal Checklists

Standardized checklists eliminate guesswork and ensure consistent safety protocols. Adapt these templates to your specific situation:

Pre-Disposal Checklist:

[ ] Battery type confirmed (lithium-ion/lithium metal)
[ ] Physical condition inspected (no swelling, damage, or leaks)
[ ] Terminals covered with non-conductive tape or battery in individual bag
[ ] Battery weight under 11 lbs (if using retail drop-off)
[ ] Storage container is non-conductive and properly labeled
[ ] Batteries stored at room temperature away from heat/flame sources
[ ] Storage duration is less than 6 months

Disposal Location Verification Checklist:

[ ] Location currently accepting batteries (call to confirm if uncertain)
[ ] Location accepts your specific battery type and size
[ ] Drop-off hours confirmed
[ ] Any quantity limits or restrictions noted
[ ] Fees (if any) identified and payment method confirmed
[ ] Location provides receipt or confirmation of acceptance

Avoiding Common Disposal Mistakes

Even well-intentioned individuals frequently make battery disposal errors that compromise safety or create environmental harm. Understanding these pitfalls helps prevent them.

Mistake 1: Placing Lithium Batteries in Curbside Recycling

The most prevalent error involves adding batteries to household recycling bins alongside paper, plastic, and glass. The recycling symbol on batteries indicates they are recyclable—but only through specialized battery recycling facilities, not municipal curbside programs.

Municipal recycling facilities (MRFs) process incoming materials through sorting equipment including conveyor belts, rotating drums, and powerful compactors. Lithium batteries crushed or punctured by this machinery frequently ignite, causing facility fires that shut down operations, destroy expensive equipment, and endanger workers. The National Waste & Recycling Association documented 152 battery-related fires at U.S. recycling facilities in 2024, causing an estimated $57 million in damages.

The rule is absolute: Never place any type of battery in curbside recycling bins. Always use designated battery-specific collection channels.

Mistake 2: Inadequate Terminal Protection

Some people recognize the need for terminal protection but implement it incorrectly, creating false security. Common terminal protection errors include:

Using conductive tape (duct tape with metallic threading)
Covering only one terminal while leaving the other exposed
Placing multiple unprotected batteries in a single bag, allowing terminal contact between different batteries
Using degraded tape that loses adhesion during storage

Proper terminal protection requires complete coverage of all connection points using genuinely non-conductive materials. When in doubt, use electrical tape specifically designed for insulation purposes.

Mistake 3: Prolonged Improper Storage

Batteries stored loosely in junk drawers or mixed containers can short-circuit when terminals contact keys, coins, paper clips, or other metal objects. This scenario caused a house fire in suburban Chicago when a loose 9-volt battery in a kitchen drawer contacted loose change, generating sufficient heat to ignite nearby paper materials.

Interim storage—whether hours or months—demands the same protective measures as transport: individual isolation, terminal protection, and non-conductive containers.

Mistake 4: Assuming All Batteries Recycle the Same

Battery chemistry varies substantially, and not all collection programs accept all types. Lithium primary batteries (non-rechargeable, often used in cameras and medical devices) contain lithium metal that reacts violently with water, requiring different handling than lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Button-cell batteries, despite their small size, contain mercury or silver oxide requiring specialized recycling.

Before adding any battery to a collection container, verify the specific program accepts that chemistry. When uncertain, call ahead or check program websites for explicit chemistry lists.

Mistake 5: Attempting DIY Battery Disassembly

Never attempt to open battery casings, remove cells from battery packs, or otherwise disassemble batteries. Internal components include pressurized, flammable electrolytes and reactive chemicals requiring professional handling. Puncturing battery cells creates immediate fire hazards—the electrolyte ignites on exposure to air.

Professional recycling facilities use specialized equipment and protocols for battery disassembly in controlled environments. Attempts at home or business locations introduce unacceptable risks.

Mistake 6: Delaying Disposal of Damaged Batteries

When batteries show warning signs—swelling, heat, odor, hissing—immediate action is required, not continued storage “until the next recycling event.” Damaged batteries can enter thermal runaway with little warning, potentially causing fires or releasing toxic gases.

For damaged batteries, prioritize immediate isolation and contact appropriate disposal resources, even if that means making a special trip to an HHW facility or purchasing a damaged battery collection kit. The inconvenience pales compared to the potential consequences of continued storage.

Mistake 7: Mixing Disposal and Regular Trash

Some individuals report disposing of lithium batteries in household trash under the mistaken belief that single batteries pose negligible risk or won’t be detected. This practice violates regulations in many jurisdictions and creates real hazards. Garbage truck compaction mechanisms damage batteries, causing fires during collection or at transfer stations. Landfill equipment experiences similar risks.

Fire departments across the United States respond to dozens of garbage truck fires annually attributed to improperly discarded batteries. These incidents endanger sanitation workers, destroy equipment worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and potentially cause serious injuries.

Mistake 8: Ignoring Manufacturer Guidance

Different battery types and specific device batteries sometimes require unique handling. Failing to check manufacturer recommendations before disposal risks improper treatment. For example, some laptop manufacturers specify keeping certain battery types at partial charge during storage, while others recommend full discharge. Some devices require specific disassembly procedures to safely extract batteries.

Spending five minutes reviewing manufacturer guidance can prevent hours of problems later. Most major manufacturers maintain comprehensive recycling information on their websites under support or sustainability sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw lithium batteries in regular trash?

No. Lithium batteries should never be disposed of in household garbage. These batteries contain flammable materials that create fire hazards in garbage trucks and landfills. Additionally, throwing away lithium batteries wastes valuable critical minerals and violates environmental regulations in many jurisdictions.

Where is the nearest lithium battery recycling location?

Use the Call2Recycle website location finder (call2recycle.org/locator) to identify nearby drop-off sites. Most Home Depot, Lowe’s, Staples, and Best Buy locations participate in free battery recycling programs. Your municipal website may also list household hazardous waste facilities accepting batteries.

Do I need to tape battery terminals before recycling?

Yes. The EPA recommends covering battery terminals with non-conductive tape (electrical tape preferred) to prevent short circuits during storage and transport. This simple step significantly reduces fire risk. Alternatively, place each battery in a separate plastic bag to isolate terminals.

Are there fees for lithium battery recycling?

Most residential battery recycling is free. Retail collection programs through Call2Recycle and manufacturer takeback programs typically charge no fees for household quantities. Municipal household hazardous waste programs are usually free for residents. Businesses may incur fees for commercial recycling services, typically $200-500 annually depending on volume.

Can damaged or swollen lithium batteries be recycled?

Yes, but they require special handling. Do not place damaged batteries in standard collection bins. Call2Recycle sells damaged battery collection kits with fire-resistant packaging. Contact household hazardous waste facilities directly, as they’re equipped to handle damaged batteries. Store damaged batteries in metal containers with sand or kitty litter until proper disposal.

How long can I safely store old lithium batteries before disposal?

Store lithium batteries at room temperature for up to six months. Beyond that timeframe, batteries may degrade, increasing safety risks. Inspect batteries stored longer than six months for swelling or other damage before transport. Avoid storing batteries in extreme temperatures (below freezing or above 100°F).

What stores accept lithium batteries for recycling?

Major retailers participating in battery recycling include Home Depot, Lowe’s, Staples, Best Buy, Batteries Plus, and some Target stores. Office supply chains and electronics retailers commonly maintain collection programs. Call ahead to confirm current acceptance, as temporary suspensions occur when collection bins reach capacity.

Can I mail lithium batteries for recycling?

Manufacturer takeback programs sometimes provide prepaid mail-in options with compliant packaging meeting Department of Transportation regulations. However, mailing lithium batteries requires specific packaging, labeling, and quantity limits per DOT rules. Never mail batteries using standard shipping methods without verified compliant packaging—this violates federal regulations and creates safety hazards.

Key Takeaways

Never dispose of lithium batteries in trash or curbside recycling—they pose genuine fire hazards requiring specialized collection channels.
Protect battery terminals with non-conductive tape or individual plastic bags before storage or transport to prevent dangerous short circuits.
Multiple free disposal options exist, including 25,000+ retail drop-off locations nationwide, household hazardous waste facilities, and manufacturer takeback programs—select the most convenient for your situation.
Damaged or swollen batteries require immediate isolation and special handling protocols—never delay disposal of batteries showing warning signs.