How to dispose of batteries
The right answer depends on the battery's chemistry, not its size. Single-use alkaline batteries are usually trash-safe. Lithium-ion and button-cell batteries are not — they can start fires in trash trucks and must be dropped at a household-hazardous- waste (HHW) site or a participating retailer. Below is the rule for each common type, plus 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 — all batteries, including alkaline, are classified as hazardous waste and must be taken 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's 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. Use ClearPath /check with your ZIP code — you'll 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 surfaces your 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 swollen lithium-ion batteries as urgent — do NOT puncture, do NOT trash. Place in a non-flammable container (a metal bucket with sand works), keep 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.
Check your local rule before you drop off
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