Handle with care. Recycle with confidence.
Batteries make modern life easier. But once they’re used up, how you handle them matters. They don’t belong in the trash or curbside recycling bins. When damaged, punctured or exposed to heat, they can ignite and cause fires in homes, garbage trucks, recycling facilities and warehouses putting people, property, and workers at risk.
That’s why we launched Avoid the Spark to help prevent fires before they start with clear guidance and simple steps that keep your home and community safe.
How to avoid the spark
Three simple steps anyone can follow:
1. Identify your battery
Not all batteries are the same and knowing what you have matters. Common household batteries include:
- Rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), and small sealed lead acid (SSLA/Pb)
- Primary (single-use) batteries, such as alkaline, lithium, and button cell batteries
Use a battery identification guide or contact your local household hazardous waste program for help. Battery Identification Guide
2. Prepare batteries for safe recycling
Before dropping off any battery:
• Individually bag each battery or tap the terminals for your rechargeable batteries. Learn more
Use one of these options:
Option A: Bag Each Battery (Preferred)
Use a clear bag, such as:
- The Battery Network provided bags
- Zip-seal bags
- Produce or newspaper bags
- Bubble bags (required for pouch cells)
Option B: Tape the Positive Terminal
Use:
- Clear packing tape
- Electrical tape
- Duct tape
Avoid masking, painters or Scotch tapes, as they can fall off during shipping. If using non-clear tape, keep the battery brand and chemistry visible.
• Keep batteries cool, dry, and away from flammable materials
These small steps significantly reduce the risk of sparks and fires during storage, transport, and recycling.
3. Find a drop-off location
Batteries should always be recycled through approved programs or local hazardous waste facilities. Never place them in the trash or curbside recycling.
Safe options may include:
- The Battery Network’s drop-off locations
- Local household hazardous waste or municipal collection programs
- The Batty Network’s kits designed for safe storage and transport which can be purchased through our online store.
What not to do
To reduce fire risk, avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not throw batteries in the trash
- Do not place batteries in curbside or blue recycling bins
- Do not store loose batteries together
- Do not damage, crush, or dismantle batteries
If a battery appears swollen, hot, leaking, or damaged, follow the direction on our safety page.
Built to share. Easy to use.
Avoid the Spark is designed to help spread safe battery recycling practices far beyond a single household.
Municipalities, community organizations, retailers, schools, and waste programs can use the materials below to promote safe battery handling and recycling in their communities.
Battery recycling works. You can help.
