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How to dispose of Batteries

Steps

  1. Identify the battery type: alkaline, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, or lead-acid.
  2. Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): Can go in regular trash in most states, but recycling is preferred.
  3. Lithium-ion batteries (laptops, phones): Never put in trash. Take to a battery recycling drop-off.
  4. Lead-acid batteries (car batteries): Return to auto parts stores for free recycling.
  5. Tape the terminals of lithium batteries before dropping off to prevent fires.

Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries are considered hazardous. Never put in regular trash.

Most big-box retailers (Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's) accept batteries for free recycling.