How to dispose of batteries
Below is the rule for each common type, with the federal source (EPA Universal Waste, 40 CFR Part 273) that anchors it.
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Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)
Modern alkaline batteries no longer contain mercury and are legally trash-safe across the United States (the federal Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act banned mercury in alkalines in 1996). California is the one notable exception. There, all batteries (alkaline included) are classified as hazardous waste and need to go to an HHW facility or a participating retailer.
Prep: place a piece of clear tape over both terminals of any 9V battery before discarding. 9V terminals are spaced just close enough to short-circuit against metal in a bin and start a fire. Other alkalines (AA/AAA/C/D) do not need taping.
Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power phones, laptops, e-bikes, cordless tools, electric toothbrushes, and most modern rechargeable devices. They are fire-prone when crushed. A single damaged cell in a trash truck has started hundreds of fires across U.S. waste facilities in the past decade.
Drop them at a household-hazardous-waste site, or use the free Call2Recycle network — over 16,000 retailer locations nationwide (Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Staples, many Whole Foods) accept lithium-ion batteries free of charge. Tape both terminals first.
NiMH and NiCd (rechargeable AA/AAA, power tool packs)
Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) rechargeables fall under the same Universal Waste rule as lithium-ion. NiCd in particular contains toxic cadmium and is illegal to landfill in many states.
Lead-acid (car, marine, motorcycle, UPS)
Every U.S. state requires retailers that sell lead-acid batteries to accept old ones for recycling. That is federal EPA policy (40 CFR 266 Subpart G), enforced state-by-state. Most auto-parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto, NAPA) will also pay you a small core-charge refund. Never put a lead-acid battery in trash or curbside recycling.
Step-by-step: prep + drop off
- 1. Sort by chemistry. Most household stashes are a mix of AA/AAA alkaline + a handful of lithium-ion packs from old phones. Separate them.
- 2. Tape terminals. Place clear or electrical tape over both terminals of every 9V, lithium-ion, button- cell, and lead-acid battery. This is the single most important fire-prevention step.
- 3. Bag separately. Lithium-ion / button- cell / lead-acid go in their own clear plastic bag. Alkalines (AA/AAA/C/D) can stay loose if you're trashing them.
- 4. Look up your nearest drop-off. Try /check with your ZIP code. You will see your county's verified HHW site (address and hours) plus the nearest Call2Recycle retailer. Both are usually free for residents.
Frequently asked
Can I throw alkaline batteries in the trash?
Yes, in 49 of 50 U.S. states. California is the exception. It classifies all batteries as hazardous waste and requires HHW or retailer drop-off. Tape 9V terminals before trashing to prevent fires.
What happens if I throw a lithium-ion battery in the trash?
It can be crushed by the trash truck, short-circuit, and start a fire. The U.S. waste industry reported 1,800+ truck and facility fires from lithium-ion batteries in 2022 alone. Always drop them at HHW or Call2Recycle.
Where is the nearest Call2Recycle drop-off?
Use the Call2Recycle locator at call2recycle.org/locator. Most U.S. ZIPs have 3-5 participating retailers within 5 miles. Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Staples, and many Whole Foods participate. ClearPath shows the nearest one alongside the county HHW option.
Do I need to remove the battery from the device first?
If you can, yes. A loose battery is easier to drop in the right bin than a whole device. If the battery is built-in (most phones, laptops, e-readers), recycle the whole device through manufacturer take-back (Apple, Best Buy, Staples). They handle the disassembly.
Are car batteries free to recycle?
Yes, and they often pay you. Federal law requires lead-acid retailers to accept old batteries. Auto-parts stores typically refund a $10-15 core charge when you bring one in. Never put a car battery in trash or curbside recycling.
What about damaged or swollen batteries?
Treat a swollen lithium-ion battery as urgent. Do not puncture it, and do not trash it. Place it in a non-flammable container (a metal bucket with sand works), keep it cool, and contact your county HHW within 24 hours for emergency drop-off guidance. Many counties have a same-day intake protocol for damaged cells.
How do I tape battery terminals before recycling?
For 9V batteries, button cells, and any battery where both terminals are exposed: cover each terminal with a piece of clear or electrical tape so they cannot touch other metal during transport. This prevents short-circuit fires inside collection bags and bins. Painter's tape, masking tape, or even a small plastic bag also work.
Is it illegal to throw batteries in the trash?
Lithium-ion, button-cell, and lead-acid batteries: yes, in most states, under federal universal waste rules (40 CFR 273). Alkaline batteries: legal in 49 states (California is the exception). Penalties for illegal disposal of lithium-ion batteries can reach $25,000+ per violation when traced back, plus the property damage from any truck fire they cause.
What batteries does Best Buy take?
Best Buy accepts all rechargeable battery chemistries free at every store: lithium-ion (phones, laptops, e-bikes), nickel-metal-hydride, nickel-cadmium, button cells, and small sealed lead-acid (UPS, mobility scooter). They do NOT accept single-use alkaline batteries (use Call2Recycle bins or trash in most states) or car-sized lead-acid batteries (use an auto-parts retailer).
Find your nearest battery drop-off
County HHW sites have different accepted-item lists and hours, and Call2Recycle retailer coverage varies. Type your ZIP — we will return the specific drop-off, hours, and free retailer pickup options in seconds.