BatteryChat Editorial Team | Last Updated: March 2026
Batteries contain materials that should never go in household trash — lead, cadmium, lithium, mercury (in some older types), and nickel are all regulated or environmentally hazardous materials. The good news: battery recycling has never been easier, with free drop-off programs at thousands of retail locations nationwide. Here’s exactly where to go and what to do.
Quick Reference: Where to Recycle by Battery Type
| Battery Type | Trash OK? | Best Disposal Method |
|---|---|---|
| Alkaline AA/AAA/C/D/9V | OK in most US states (not CA, CT, ME, MN, NJ, NY, VT) | Call2Recycle drop-off; many states require recycling |
| Rechargeable NiMH (AA/AAA) | No | Call2Recycle drop-off (free, nationwide) |
| Rechargeable NiCd | No (contains cadmium) | Call2Recycle drop-off (mandatory recycling) |
| Lithium-ion (phones, laptops, power tools) | No — fire risk in compactors | Retailer drop-off, Call2Recycle, manufacturer take-back |
| Car / Lead-acid | No — hazardous material | Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O’Reilly, etc.) — free |
| Button cells (hearing aids, watches) | No — contains mercury (older) or lithium | Jewelers, pharmacies, Call2Recycle |
| EV / large lithium packs | No | EV dealer, manufacturer take-back program |
Free Recycling Programs: Where to Go
Call2Recycle (Recommended for Most Batteries)
Call2Recycle is the leading free battery and cellphone recycling program in North America. They operate over 16,000 drop-off locations across the US. Accepted battery types include: all rechargeable batteries (NiMH, NiCd, Li-ion, lithium polymer, sealed lead acid up to 11 lbs) and cellphones.
Find your nearest drop-off: call2recycle.org/locator — enter your zip code to see locations within any radius. Drop-off is always free for consumers.
Earth911
Earth911.com is the most comprehensive recycling locator in the US, covering batteries plus hundreds of other materials. Search by material type and zip code to find recyclers, municipal programs, and specialty drop-offs. Particularly useful for unusual battery types (button cells, large lithium packs) and for locating municipal hazardous waste collection events.
Retail Drop-Off Locations
Many major retailers accept batteries for free at in-store collection bins:
- Best Buy: Accepts rechargeable batteries and old electronics at all stores. Collection bins are located at the front of the store. Also accepts cellphones and laptops.
- Home Depot: Call2Recycle partner — accepts rechargeable batteries at the front of most stores.
- Lowe’s: Similar Call2Recycle partnership at most store locations.
- Staples: Accepts rechargeable batteries and technology items.
- Batteries Plus Bulbs: Accepts virtually all battery types including car batteries and large lithium packs.
- Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O’Reilly, Advance Auto Parts): Accept car batteries for free and typically pay $10–$20 core credit for lead-acid batteries.
Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
- Apple: Apple Stores and apple.com accept iPhone, iPad, and MacBook batteries/devices for free recycling.
- Dell, HP, Lenovo: All have mail-in recycling programs for laptops and batteries.
- Tesla: Tesla service centers accept Tesla battery modules for recycling.
- Duracell, Energizer: Both participate in Call2Recycle and have specific battery recycling mail-in programs.
State-by-State: States with Mandatory Alkaline Recycling Laws
While federal law only mandates recycling of rechargeable batteries (under the Battery Act), several states go further and prohibit household trash disposal of all batteries, including alkaline:
- California: All batteries are classified as hazardous waste and must be recycled. No alkaline batteries in the trash.
- Connecticut: All batteries must be recycled.
- Maine: All batteries must be recycled.
- Minnesota: Prohibits alkaline batteries in trash.
- New Jersey: Rechargeable batteries must be recycled; alkaline disposal varies by municipality.
- New York: Rechargeable batteries must be recycled; NYC prohibits lithium batteries in trash.
- Vermont: All batteries must be recycled.
Even in states where alkaline disposal in trash is technically legal, recycling is encouraged — the materials (zinc, manganese, steel) are fully recoverable and valuable.
How to Prepare Batteries for Recycling
Step 1: Tape Lithium Battery Terminals
This is the most important safety step. Exposed lithium-ion battery terminals (the + and – contacts) can create a short circuit if they contact metal — including other batteries in a collection bin. A short circuit can cause a fire or explosion.
Use clear tape (packing tape, electrical tape) to cover both terminals on every lithium battery before dropping it off. This is required at most drop-off locations and is critical for safety in collection bins with mixed materials.
Step 2: Don’t Bag Lithium Batteries Together
Don’t pile loose lithium batteries in a plastic bag — terminal contact between batteries in a bag can cause sparks. Place each lithium battery in its own small bag (sandwich bag works fine) or wrap each separately before putting in a collection container.
Step 3: Check for Damage
Swollen, punctured, or visibly damaged lithium batteries (phones, laptops, power tools) require special handling. Do not put a visibly swollen or leaking lithium battery in a drop-off bin. Contact the manufacturer or your local hazardous waste facility for guidance on damaged lithium battery disposal.
Step 4: Remove from Device
Remove batteries from devices before recycling when possible. Devices with non-removable batteries (many modern phones and laptops) should be brought to a full electronics recycler (Best Buy, Apple Store) rather than a battery-only drop-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw AA alkaline batteries in the trash?
In most US states, yes — alkaline batteries no longer contain mercury and are not classified as hazardous waste under federal law. However, California, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, and Vermont prohibit trash disposal of all batteries. Regardless of legality, recycling is encouraged because the zinc, manganese, and steel in alkaline batteries are fully recoverable materials.
Are lithium batteries a fire risk in trash and recycling trucks?
Yes — this is a serious and growing problem. Lithium batteries in household trash and recycling streams are responsible for hundreds of truck fires annually in the US. When compacted, lithium batteries can short-circuit and ignite. Always recycle lithium batteries separately through drop-off programs, never in curbside recycling or trash.
Where do I recycle a car battery?
Any auto parts store (AutoZone, O’Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, Napa) accepts used car batteries for free. Most will pay you $10–$20 as a core credit toward a new battery. Lead-acid batteries are among the most recycled products in the US — approximately 99% of lead-acid battery lead is recycled, making them a recycling success story.
What happens to recycled batteries?
Lead-acid batteries: lead is melted down and reused in new batteries; plastic cases are ground up and reused; sulfuric acid is neutralized. NiMH batteries: nickel and rare earth materials are recovered for reuse in new batteries and industrial applications. Li-ion batteries: lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese are recovered through hydrometallurgical processes; companies like Redwood Materials recover 95%+ of critical materials for new battery manufacturing.
