Damaged or Defective Batteries

From collection to transport, we make safe battery recycling possible.

What Are Damaged Batteries?

Damaged or defective batteries (DD) include any battery that’s swollen, leaking, punctured, or overheating. In some cases, these batteries may also be part of a manufacturer’s recall. Because they carry a higher safety risk, DD batteries need to be handled and recycled separately from everyday household batteries.

Common Signs of Damage:

  • Bulging or swelling
  • Leakage or strong odor
  • Cracked or warped casing
  • Burn marks
  • Water damage
  • Overheating
  • Device behaving abnormally while charging

Why Safe Handling is Critical

DD batteries can spark or ignite if stored or transported improperly. Keeping them out of the trash and regular recycling boxes protects collection sites, transportation workers, and your home.

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How to Safely Recycle
DD Batteries

  1. Isolate the battery immediately.
  2. Place it in non-flammable material such as sand or kitty litter.
  3. Never put DD batteries in the trash, water, home recycling bins, or The Battery Network collection boxes.
  4. Choose a safe drop-off or disposal option.
    • The Battery Network recommends reaching out to the battery manufacturer for instructions on how to properly manage, ship, recycle, or dispose of damaged or defective batteries. You may also purchase kits to responsibly recycle these batteries at our online store.
    • If you live in Illinois, New York, Vermont, or Washington, D.C., there may be trained drop-off locations near you that can accept damaged or defective batteries. Use our locator to find out if there is a location near you. (Enter your ZIP code, deselect “Rechargeable,” and select “Damaged/Defective” to find participating sites.)

If you have a RECALLED battery, follow the same steps above. Then contact the manufacturer and follow their instructions for disposal and replacement. Recalled batteries are not accepted at The Battery Network’s collection sites.

Not sure if your battery is recalled? Visit the manufacturer’s website to confirm. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also lists active recalls.