Never dispose lithium batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins. Improperly disposing lithium batteries can harm both people and the environment. Each year, around 41% of lithium-ion batteries are not recycled and end up in landfills, where they pose a fire risk. Reports indicate that over 5,000 fires occur annually in recycling centers, many caused by batteries. To dispose lithium batteries safely, take them to local recycling centers, hazardous waste facilities, or stores that accept them. Always cover the battery terminals with tape and follow your local regulations before dropping them off.
Do not put lithium batteries in the trash or normal recycling bins. This helps stop fires and keeps pollution low. Always put tape on battery terminals and keep batteries in a safe place before recycling. This helps stop accidents from happening. Bring lithium batteries to special recycling centers, hazardous waste places, or store drop-off spots for safe disposal. Be very careful with damaged or big batteries and never try to fix or open them by yourself. Follow your local laws and recycling rules to keep your home, community, and the environment safe.
If you do not dispose of lithium batteries the right way, you can face big safety problems. Batteries can catch fire or even explode if they get damaged, get too hot, or end up in the trash. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said there were more than 240 fires at 64 places because people threw lithium batteries in regular bins. These fires can start from something called thermal runaway. This means the battery gets hot very fast and can explode or let out dangerous gases.
Tip: Always put tape on the battery ends and keep each battery in its own bag before you take them to a drop-off place.
Here is a table that shows the main safety problems and what they can do:
| Safety Risk | Impact on Health and Environment |
|---|---|
| Fire hazards (thermal runaway) | Can cause fires and explosions, leading to injuries, deaths, and damage to buildings |
| Toxic chemical release | Cobalt, manganese, and nickel can leak out and get into the ground and water, hurting plants and animals |
| Environmental pollution | Landfills can get polluted and underground fires can happen more often |
| Fires at waste/recycling facilities | Damaged batteries can cause fires at these places, which can hurt people, buildings, and the environment |
Throwing batteries away the wrong way can also make underground fires in landfills more likely. Studies show that even one battery with some charge left can start a fire if the trash is dry. These fires can start again and spread, so they are hard to stop.
Throwing lithium batteries in the trash is bad for the environment. Heavy metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese can leak out and get into the ground and water. These metals are poisonous and can hurt plants, animals, and people. Lithium batteries also have PFAS compounds, called “forever chemicals,” that do not break down and can pollute air, water, and soil for a long time.
Heavy metals from batteries can make people and animals sick.
Battery fires let out dangerous gases that pollute the air and can cause health problems like asthma and lung disease.
PFAS compounds from batteries can hurt fish and other water animals and can get into drinking water.
When you follow safe steps to get rid of batteries, you help keep the environment and your community safe.
When you need to get rid of lithium batteries, follow some important steps. These steps help keep you, your home, and the earth safe. Do not throw batteries in the trash or regular recycling. Fires and pollution can happen if you do not handle batteries the right way. Here is how you can get rid of batteries safely.
First, take the battery out of your device. Check the device manual for the right way to do this. If you do not have the manual, look for a battery compartment or ask an adult for help. Follow these steps:
Turn off the device before you start.
Open the battery compartment carefully. Use the instructions from the device maker if you have them.
Take out the battery gently. Do not crush, bend, or poke it.
Wear gloves if you can, so you do not touch any chemicals.
Keep the battery away from things that can catch fire.
Tip: If a battery looks swollen or broken, do not remove it by yourself. Ask an adult or a professional for help.
After you take out the battery, cover the terminals. The terminals are the metal ends of the battery. Taping the terminals keeps the battery from touching other metals or batteries, which can cause a fire.
Use electrical tape or any tape that is not metal to cover both ends.
You can also put each battery in its own plastic bag for extra safety.
There is special battery terminal tape you can use. It does not get too hot, sticks well, and keeps the battery safe from leaks and short circuits. This tape is soft, bends easily, and is safe for the earth.
Note: The EPA says you should always tape the terminals of all lithium batteries before you recycle or throw them away.
Before you take batteries to a recycling center, store them the right way. Safe storage keeps your home and family safe from fire or leaks. Here are some good ways to store batteries:
Keep batteries at room temperature, between 40°F and 80°F.
Do not put batteries in sunlight, near heaters, or near things that can burn.
Put batteries on a surface that does not burn, like metal shelves or concrete floors.
Do not let batteries touch water or other liquids.
Check batteries every few weeks for leaks or damage.
If you need to store batteries for a long time, put them in a fireproof container and check them every three months.
Do not keep batteries for more than one year before recycling.
| Storage Tip | Short-Term (Days/Weeks) | Long-Term (Months/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 50°F–77°F | 50°F–86°F |
| Container | Any safe, dry place | Fireproof or non-conductive box |
| Check Frequency | Every few weeks | Every 3 months |
| Charge Level | 40–60% | 40–60% |
Damaged, swollen, or big batteries need special care. These batteries can leak, catch fire, or even explode if you do not handle them right.
Never charge a swollen battery. Let it lose its power in a safe place.
Wear gloves and eye protection when you touch damaged batteries.
Use tongs or plastic tools to move the battery.
Put damaged batteries in a metal bucket with sand or a fireproof container.
Keep them away from kids and pets.
Do not try to fix or open a damaged battery.
If the battery gets hot, smokes, or smells bad, move it outside or into a fireproof container right away.
Take damaged batteries to a hazardous waste center or a special recycling event. Never put them in the trash or regular recycling.
For big batteries, like those from electric cars or backup power, you should:
Call the maker for a take-back program.
Use a recycling center that can handle big lithium batteries.
Label the battery as “used” and “contains lithium.”
Move the battery using a service that knows how to handle big batteries safely.
Alert: Never throw lithium batteries in the trash, no matter their size or condition. Always use the right drop-off place.
If you follow these steps, you will know how to get rid of batteries safely. You help protect your home, your community, and the earth. When you dispose of lithium batteries the right way, you help stop fires and pollution. You also make sure old batteries get recycled and turned into new things.
You can bring lithium-ion batteries to a certified recycling center. These centers have trained workers and special tools to handle batteries safely. In some places, companies like Stena Recycling run big centers for testing, recycling, and reusing lithium-ion batteries. If there is no certified center near you, trusted partners collect used batteries and send them to the right place. Taking lithium-ion batteries to a recycling center helps stop fires and keeps the environment safe. Always put tape on the terminals and use a safe container before dropping them off.
Tip: Hazardous waste facilities also take lithium-ion batteries. The staff at these places know how to store and handle batteries to stop fires and leaks. They keep different batteries apart and use special tools for fire safety.
Many stores let you recycle lithium batteries easily. You can find drop-off bins at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Staples, Best Buy, and Batteries Plus. These stores work with national programs like Call2Recycle. Auto parts stores such as O’Reilly Auto Parts, AutoZone, and Advance Auto Parts also take lithium-ion batteries. Some cities have free battery recycling at special hazardous waste events. Always check if the store takes your battery type and follow their safety rules.
Home Depot
Lowe’s
Staples
Best Buy
Batteries Plus
O’Reilly Auto Parts, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts
Local hazardous waste facilities
You can find a recycling center or drop-off spot online fast. Go to battery safety or recycling websites and type in your ZIP code. The Call2Recycle website has a tool that shows places near you to take lithium-ion batteries. These tools help you recycle lithium batteries safely and follow local rules. You can also find recycling rules and safety tips on these sites.
Note: Using online locators saves time and helps you find the best place to recycle lithium batteries near you.
You have to follow special rules when you recycle lithium batteries. In the United States, the government says these batteries are hazardous waste. The EPA has rules for battery disposal under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. You must use special recycling centers or drop-off programs. These places know how to handle batteries safely. They keep dangerous chemicals out of landfills.
In Europe, there is a new law called the EU Battery Regulation. This law covers everything from making to recycling lithium batteries. Companies must use recycled materials and track each battery’s life with a digital passport. If you break these rules, you might get fined or face other punishments. Many countries also have rules for labeling and safe transport. Always check your local laws before you recycle lithium batteries.
Note: If you do not follow battery recycling laws, you can get fined. It can also hurt the environment.
There are some things you should never do when recycling batteries. These mistakes can cause fires, injuries, or pollution.
Never put lithium batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins.
Do not mix lithium batteries with other battery types.
Do not crush, poke, or open batteries.
Never keep batteries near heat or things that can burn.
Always tape the terminals or put batteries in separate plastic bags.
Never try to fix or take apart broken batteries.
Do not bury or leave big batteries; always use a certified recycler.
| Action to Avoid | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Throwing in trash | Can start fires, leak chemicals, and pollute |
| Crushing or opening | Might cause explosions or toxic leaks |
| Mixing battery types | Makes short circuits and fires more likely |
If you follow these tips, you help keep your community safe. Recycling rechargeable batteries the right way protects people and the earth. Always use the right battery recycling methods and follow all battery disposal rules.
You can help keep your home and neighborhood safe if you follow these steps for lithium battery disposal. First, find out what kind of battery you have. Next, put tape on the battery ends and put each one in its own bag. Store the batteries in a container that does not catch fire. Take them to a place that is approved for drop-off or use a recycling program. Never put batteries in the trash.
Tip: Look at the EPA or PHMSA websites for local rules, or ask your local waste center for help. Recycling the right way keeps the earth safe and lets us use important materials again. When people know what to do, it really helps—make sure to recycle your batteries the safe way today!
Look for words like “lithium” or “Li-ion” on the label. You can also check the device manual. If you are not sure, ask a store or recycling center for help.
No, you should never put lithium batteries in regular recycling bins. They can cause fires and harm workers. Always take them to a special drop-off location.
Wear gloves and avoid touching the liquid. Place the battery in a plastic bag. Take it to a hazardous waste center right away. Do not throw it in the trash.
Many stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Staples offer free battery recycling. You can also use online locators to find local drop-off points.
Taping the terminals stops batteries from touching each other. This prevents sparks and reduces the risk of fire during storage and transport.