The rules to battery recycling shouldn’t be shocking.

Keep scrolling to find out!

“so, what do i do with them, frank?”

get to know your batteries

The short version: Keep batteries out of your curbside recycling and household trash.

And if you aren’t sure what kind of battery you have, always treat it as though it’s lithium-ion and drop it off for recycling.

prep your batteries for disposal

Tape the end of any lithium batteries, 9V and bigger.
- Use clear tape, like the tape used for packing.
- Place tape on the end where the battery delivers power to the device (exposed metal end).
Place in a small bag or box before getting rid of your battery.

single-use batteries

Some single-use batteries may be difficult to distinguish from common alkaline in items like calculators.

Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon

Common everyday batteries like AA, AAA, 9V (9 volt), C or D.

Alarm clocks, flashlights, radios, remote controls, children’s toys, etc.

ALWAYS check with your local provider before disposal. Return at battery retailers or programs like Call2Recycle.

button cell or coin

Small round batteries.

Watches, hearing aids, key fobs, calculators, etc.

Do not place batteries of this kind in trash or recycling bin. Return to battery retailer or local household hazardous waste collection program. Check to see if this battery is labeled “lithium.” If it is, make sure to follow battery prep instructions before dropping it off.

single-use lithium

Non-rechargeable batteries created with lithium (Li) metal.

Cameras, watches, smoke detectors, remote controls, etc.

rechargeable batteries

Follow battery disposal prep instructions. Do not place rechargeable batteries in recycling or trash bins. Instead, look for a local retailer or collection program.

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)

These may appear like single-use AA, AAA, alkaline batteries or battery packs.

Cordless power tools, digital/video cameras, two-way radios, biomedical equipment, etc.

Removables: Return to battery retailer or local solid household hazardous waste collection program.
Non-removables: Return the entire device at an electronic retailer, take-back service or local electronic or household hazardous waste collection program.

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)

If the battery is not easily removable, do not attempt to remove the batteries when recycling (i.e., laptops, tablets, e-cigarettes).

Cellphones, digital cameras, laptops, children’s toys, e-cigarettes, etc.

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)

Cellphones, cordless power tools, digital cameras, two-way radios, etc.

Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn)

Digital cameras, wireless keyboards, small electronics

Small-Sealed Lead Acid (Pb)

Mobility scooters, children’s toy cards, emergency lighting, landline backup power

automotive batteries

Do not place batteries of this category in trash or recycling bin.

Lead-acid

These batteries contain sulfuric acid and lead. Follow warnings and instructions on battery.

Engine starters, wheelchairs, boats, sump pumps, etc.

Return to battery retailer or local solid household hazardous waste collection program.

Medium- and Large-Scale Li-ion

Plug-ins, hybrid/electric vehicles and energy storage

Contact the manufacturer, automobile dealer or installation company for options.

local battery recyclers

Check out some of these places that often offer recycling options for nonrechargeable and rechargeable batteries:

Many retailers, including Home Depot, Lowes and Staples, participate in the national Call2Recycle program, which maintains a list of drop-off locations.  You can even find shipping options if there isn’t a collection location near you!
For other nearby options and events, check out the Michigan Recycling Directory.

When in doubt ...

Batteries should not go in curbside recycling bins. The safest option is always to check with your local provider for its specific rules.

Some recycling drop-off centers have special receptacles for batteries, and many municipalities hold hazardous waste collection events where you can safely dispose of used batteries. Check out this list of county recycling and household hazardous waste contacts to find a collection  site near you. For more details, click here.