FAQs

Recycling your batteries does more than clear out junk drawers. It reduces fire risks at home, keeps hazardous materials out of the trash, and supports a growing market for recovered metals. Every battery you recycle helps build a safer, more responsible energy future.

Use our drop-off locator to find the closest collection site. Many major retailers participate, including Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

Primary (single-use) batteries (like AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V) are different from rechargeable batteries, and their recycling process is different too. All The Battery Network drop-off sites accept end-of-life rechargeable batteries, but only some locations accept primary batteries, but not everywhere.

Unlike our rechargeable battery program, there isn’t a national stewardship solution that supports free primary battery recycling, except in Vermont, Illinois and Washington, D.C.  This means that local household hazardous waste (HHW) and municipal programs that do offer alkaline battery recycling programs could charge a small fee.

If you’re unable to find a drop-off location that accepts primary (single-use) batteries near you, visit our store to explore our all-battery recycling kit. Simply fill and ship!

No, we do not accept car batteries. Your local auto parts store, auto repair shop, or community solid waste program can point you to the right recycling option.

Even though used batteries might not have the energy to power a device, they can still carry enough charge to spark if their terminals come into contact with metal or other batteries, which could result in fires, personal injury, or other damage.

Terminals should be protected by individually bagging batteries or tapping the terminals.

The Battery Network provided bags

• If you run out of bags, you can use clear plastic bags (such as zip-seal bags, bubble-wrap bags, produce bags, newspaper bags).

Non-conductive tape (such as clear packing tape, electrical, or 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.

Download our terminal protection guide to learn more.

Store the battery in a safe, dry place, ideally contained in sand or kitty litter, until you can recycle it. Then choose one of these options:

• Contact your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility for drop-off instructions.
• If you live in New York or Washington, D.C., use the New York drop-off locator or Washington, D.C. drop-off locator to find a participating site.
• Or visit our store to buy an approved shipping envelope.

If your battery is recalled, follow the steps above, then contact the manufacturer for disposal and replacement instructions. Recalled batteries are not accepted at The Battery Network’s collection sites. Not sure if your battery is recalled? Check the manufacturer’s website or the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s active recall list.

In most states, free collection kits are available to our partnered retail collection sites (like The Home Depot and Lowe’s). In states with battery recycling regulations, other retailers and municipality programs may qualify for free kits.  Contact [email protected] to see if you qualify.

Every collection box arrives ready to ship with a prepaid, pre-addressed return label. When your box or pallet is full, follow our shipping guidelines and send it back using the designated carrier.

You can simply leave the box for your next scheduled pickup.

• FedEx customers: Call 1-800-463-3339 and say “Ground Return Pickup” if you need to schedule a pickup.
• UPS customers: If you don’t have a regular pickup, you can drop the box at a UPS store or hand it to the driver during your next delivery.

If you schedule a pickup directly with the carrier outside these options, extra charges may apply.

No. We only accept batteries shipped in official Battery Network boxes or in pre-approved containers that meet U.S. DOT requirements for used battery transport.

Log in to your account via the My Account page and select “Tax Exemption” from the left-hand menu.  You will receive an email with instructions on how to upload your certificate.  Once approved by our finance team, you will no longer see taxes applied at checkout.

Yes. Bike shops participating in the industry-funded program can only accept batteries from participating brands.  If your battery is not from one of those brands, we recommend contacting the manufacturer for guidance on proper recycling options.

In Vermont or Illinois?  You may have additional recycling options available. Check your state page to learn more.

Authorized retailers for participating brands can enroll as an electric bicycle battery recycling collection site at any time. Click here to get started

• USDOT-compliant recycling kits (with prepaid shipping).
• Required safety training based on your eligible solution
• Lithium-ion battery safety materials and handling guidance
• Point-of-sale materials to help educate customers and drive awareness
• Listing on the drop-off locator so riders can find your location easily.

Do not accept it until you’ve evaluated safety. Contact Customer Service for guidance and, if needed, DD packaging.

Manufacturer participation funds safe collection, transport, and recycling so riders can recycle batteries at no cost and retailers have the tools they need.

Contact us at [email protected] and our team will walk you through program enrollment and compliance requirements.

High energy batteries are lithium-ion batteries with 300 or more watt hours of power. They are commonly found in cordless, electric lawn mowers, snow blowers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws. They store more energy than typical household batteries. Learn more

Unless you are a previously approved retailer, only locations in the following states are eligible to enroll and participate in this program for free: CA, MN, NY, and WA. Register Today

If you are an independent retailer who sells a participating brand outside of one of those 4 states, reach out to [email protected] to explore paid options.

High energy batteries pose different handling, storage, and transport risks than household batteries and must follow stricter federal regulations.

Our EV battery services support manufacturers, dealer networks, and certified handlers—not direct consumer drop-off. Contact your dealership or automaker for proper removal and routing.

Contact your dealership immediately. EV batteries require specialized handling and must not be transported or stored without professional guidance.

Only trained, certified technicians following OEM and regulatory guidelines.

Yes. We provide an EV Battery Primer, regulatory transportation guidance, and safe handling resources for your staff.

We offer safe transportation, sorting, routing, and processing support, along with training, resources, and reporting designed for OEMs and their networks.

Battery EPR laws continue to expand across the United States. Find out more about which states have battery EPR laws enacted.