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Complete Battery Recycling Guide
Why Battery Recycling is Critical
Batteries contain toxic heavy metals and can cause fires in landfills and recycling trucks. 180,000 tons of batteries end up in US landfills annually. Car batteries have a 97% recycling rate - the highest of any consumer product.
- • Lead-acid: 97% recycled, mandatory in many states
- • Lithium-ion: Growing recycling infrastructure, 5% currently recycled
- • Alkaline: Can be recycled but often landfilled
- • Button cells: High mercury content, NEVER trash
For lithium-ion batteries (commonly used in drones, phones, and laptops), proper care extends battery life and reduces waste. Learn more about maintaining and safely handling these batteries in our drone battery tips guide.
Safety & Environmental Impact
Lithium-ion batteries cause hundreds of recycling facility fires yearly. Proper disposal prevents fires, soil contamination, and recovers valuable materials.
Key Benefits:
- • Prevents toxic lead and mercury from groundwater
- • Recovers lithium, cobalt, nickel for new batteries
- • Reduces fire hazards at waste facilities
- • Car battery recycling recovers 80 pounds of lead per battery
FIRE HAZARD: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Before Disposal:
- • Tape battery terminals with clear or electrical tape
- • Store in non-conductive containers
- • Never throw in regular trash or curbside recycling
- • Damaged/swollen batteries require special handling
Warning Signs:
- • Swollen or bulging battery casing
- • Excessive heat during charging
- • Leaking fluid or white powder
- • Never puncture or incinerate batteries
Battery Recycling FAQ
Where can I recycle batteries for free?
Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, and Staples offer free battery drop-off. Call2Recycle has 25,000+ drop-off locations nationwide. Auto parts stores give core credits ($5-15) for car batteries.
Can alkaline batteries go in the trash?
Legally yes in most states (they no longer contain mercury), but recycling is better. They contain zinc and manganese worth recovering. Many retailers and municipalities now collect them.
Why do I need to tape battery terminals?
Exposed terminals can short-circuit if they contact metal, causing fires in collection bins and trucks. Use clear packing tape or electrical tape to cover both terminals before recycling.
What happens to recycled batteries?
Lead-acid batteries: 99% of components reused - lead becomes new batteries, plastic casings recycled. Lithium-ion: cobalt, nickel, lithium recovered for new batteries. Process recovers 90%+ of materials.
Can I recycle rechargeable batteries?
YES and you MUST! Rechargeable batteries (NiMH, Li-ion, NiCd) contain valuable and toxic materials. Call2Recycle specializes in rechargeables. Never put them in curbside recycling or trash.
Are button batteries dangerous?
EXTREMELY! Button batteries can cause fatal injuries if swallowed by children. They also contain mercury and silver oxide. Many jewelry stores and pharmacies collect them. NEVER trash these.