Recycling batteries safely and responsibly across the Green Mountain State
Vermont’s battery stewardship law ensures that all household and medium-format batteries — including batteries that come with products and can be easily removed — are collected and recycled safely. The Battery Network operates the state’s approved program, offering convenient drop-off options and guidance for residents, retailers, solid waste entities and producers. Together, we help keep batteries out of the waste stream and put valuable materials back to work.
State Laws and Information
All household and medium-format batteries must be recycled. It’s the law.
With the battery ban in place, all household and medium-format batteries are prohibited from being tossed in the garbage and must be properly recycled.
What are household and medium-format batteries?
Household batteries: Primary (single-use) and rechargeable batteries found in everyday home devices, and battery-containing products (remotes, toys, flashlights, cordless tools, portable chargers, drones, and more). If it powers a household device and isn’t a car battery, it’s likely a household battery.
Medium-format batteries: Larger rechargeable batteries commonly found in electric, cordless lawn mowers, snowblowers, e-bikes and e-scooters. These batteries are typically bigger than a cordless-tool battery, but smaller than an EV battery.
Damaged or defective batteries: Batteries that are no longer safe for normal use, charging, or handling due to physical damage or malfunction. Examples include batteries that are swollen, leaking, cracked, crushed, overheated, corroded, or otherwise compromised. These batteries should only be dropped off at solid waste entities across Vermont. See our safety page for safe handling instructions.
Recycling batteries keeps your home and community safe.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
- Collect. Recycle batteries as needed and keep them in a cool, dry place.
- Protect. Ensure you’ve taped battery terminals or bagged before you drop.
- Drop. Find a nearby collection site and recycle responsibly.
Vermont Producer Stewardship Information
The Battery Network is the state-approved battery stewardship program for Vermont, providing a convenient network of drop-off locations where consumers can recycle both primary (single-use) and rechargeable household and medium-format batteries.
Effective July 1, 2024, the Vermont Primary Battery and Rechargeable Battery Product Stewardship Law expanded which batteries are covered. The law now includes rechargeable batteries up to 25 pounds and 2000 watt-hours, primary (single-use) batteries up to 25 pounds, and both primary (single-use) and rechargeable batteries that are sold in or with a device.
Under Vermont law, producers cannot sell covered batteries in the state unless they participate in an approved stewardship plan that offers free collection and recycling of those batteries for consumers. Producers listed on The Battery Network Steward and Brands pages are authorized to continue selling covered batteries in Vermont.
Definition of a Producer
- Manufacturer selling covered batteries in the state under the manufacturer’s own name or brand
- Brand, license or trademark owner selling covered batteries in the state
- Importer selling a covered battery into the state for sale or distribution
Definition of a Covered Battery
Primary (Single-use) Battery: Under the law, “Primary batteries” are defined as non-rechargeable batteries weighing two kilograms (4.4 lbs.) or less, including alkaline, carbon-zinc, and lithium metal batteries. Starting January 1, 2026, the definition will be expanded to include non-rechargeable batteries weighing 25 pounds or less.
Rechargeable Battery: Beginning January 1, 2026, under the law “rechargeable batteries are defined as one or more voltaic or galvanic cells, electrically connected to produce electric energy and designed to be recharged weighing not more than 25 pounds; or having a watt-hour rating of not more than 2,000 watt-hours.
Damaged or Defective: “Damaged and defective lithium battery” means a lithium battery that has been damaged or is defective for safety reasons or that has the potential of producing a dangerous evolution of heat, fire, or short circuit.
Contact Information
To find out more about joining our Vermont Program, contact: Roxane Peggs
Director of State Stewardship
[email protected]
(678) 218-4587
Vermont Collection Site Resources
We work closely with retail partners, municipal locations, and other collection sites to support safe, compliant battery recycling throughout Vermont.
Safe battery recycling starts with you.
Access tools and information to support safe, compliant battery recycling throughout the state:
