Many of the batteries you use every day can be safely recycled, from the ones that power your TV remote to the larger one in tools and e-bikes. Recycling these batteries keeps them out of household trash, reduces fire risks, and allows valuable materials to be recovered and used again. Most only need a bit of simple prep, like bagging or taping the terminals, before you bring them to a drop-off location.
What You Can Recycle
Many batteries used at home, at work, and on the go can be recycled through The Battery Network programs, including:
Rechargeable Batteries
-
Lithium-ion, Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA)
-
Commonly found in cellphones, cordless power tools, cordless vacuums, portable power packs (i.e. portable chargers), drones, and medical devices.
Primary (Single-Use) Batteries
-
Often referred to as primary batteries, this category includes: alkaline (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V), lithium primary, and coin or button cell batteries
-
Commonly found in TV remotes, flashlights, toys, kitchen scales, clocks, wireless mice, garage door openers, holiday lights, and other small household devices.
Medium-Format Batteries
-
Mid-size rechargeable batteries that store more energy than everyday household batteries but are smaller than full electric vehicle packs
-
Commonly found in lawn mowers, snow blowers, e-bikes, scooters, and marine motors.
E-Bike Batteries
-
A type of Medium-Format Battery used to power electric bicycles
-
These batteries are collected through a dedicated industry program that only accepts participating brands.
High Energy Batteries
-
A type of Medium-Format Battery designed to deliver longer runtimes and higher power than standard household batteries.
-
Commonly found in outdoor power equipment like cordless lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and snow blowers.
-
These batteries are collected through a dedicated industry program that only accepts participating brands.
EV Batteries
-
Large-format, high-voltage lithium-ion battery packs used to power electric vehicles
Managed only through certified EV recycling and recovery programs due to their size, weight, and energy capacity.
Damaged or Defective Batteries
-
Any lithium-ion battery that is swollen, leaking, overheating, or punctured. (Corroded or leaking alkaline batteries are not considered damaged.)
-
Requires special packaging, safety, and transport conditions and cannot be dropped off with your other batteries.
Recalled Batteries
-
A battery the manufacturer has officially identified as unsafe or faulty and has asked people to stop using. Recalls usually apply to specific models or batches, even if the battery looks fine.
-
Recalled batteries are not accepted at The Battery Network collection sites. Contact the manufacturer and follow their instructions for disposal and replacement.
-
Not sure if your battery is recalled? Visit the manufacturer’s website to confirm. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also lists active recalls.
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:
• Call2Recycle-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.
