Together, We Keep Battery Recycling Safe
At The Battery Network, we are committed to protecting every person and place involved in the battery recycling journey, from collection sites and transporters to sorters, processors, and communities we serve. As the leading U.S. battery recycling program, we continually strengthen our safety practices to safeguard both people and the environment. We believe safety is a shared effort. And with simple, clear steps, everyone can play a part.
Safe battery recycling starts with you.
We make it easy to build strong, consistent safety habits. Whether you’re handling batteries at home or training staff at a collection site, these tools help you store, handle, and ship batteries with confidence.
How to Recycle Your Batteries Safely
Recycling your batteries only takes a few simple steps. A little prep helps prevent fires and keeps everyone safe.
1. Identify Your Battery
Check the battery label or chemistry:
• Lithium-ion, Ni-Cd, NiMH, SSLA: must be bagged or have the terminals taped.
• Single-use alkaline batteries: no terminal protection needed unless the battery says “Lithium.”
• Soft-Sided batteries: require bubble-wrap bags.
• DDR (damaged, defective, or recalled) batteries: follow special handling instructions.
2. Protect the Terminals
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.
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-wrap bags (required for soft-sided batteries)
Option B: Tape the Positive Terminal
Use:
• Clear packing tape
• Electrical tape
• Duct tape
Avoid masking, painters, or Scotch tapes, they can fall off during shipping.
If using non-clear tape, keep the battery brand and chemistry visible.
3. Find a Drop-Off Location
Use our locator to find a nearby site.
Most people live within 10 miles of a participating location, and many are places you already shop.
Note: Primary (Single-use) batteries are accepted by select collection partners. Use our locator to confirm which materials are accepted at a location near you.
4. Drop Them Off
Take your prepared batteries along with you when running errands. Hand them to store staff if required or place them in The Battery Network collection box.
Damaged or Defective Batteries
Special Handling Required
Damaged or defective (DD) batteries, such as those that are swollen, leaking, punctured, or overheating, require special handling due to their increased safety risks. Because they can spark or ignite if stored or transported improperly, DD batteries should never be placed in the trash, home recycling bins, or The Battery Network collection boxes. Recycling them properly helps protect homes, collection sites, and transportation workers.
How to Safely Recycle DD Batteries
- Isolate the battery immediately.
- Place it in non-flammable material such as sand or kitty litter.
- Never put DD batteries in the trash, water, home recycling bins, or The Battery Network collection boxes.
- 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 including contacting 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.
If you have a RECALLED battery
Follow steps 1-3 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.
