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Recycling: batteries

A large collection of household batteries, AA and AAA
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Recycling: batteries

All batteries are recyclable!

While some batteries, such as today’s alkaline variety, are safe to include in your regular household trash, most are not because of the chemicals they contain. Regardless, recycling is always the best option.

As with any other material, battery recycling frees up landfill space and gives manufacturers resources for making new products. Some companies even specialize in helping households recycle their old batteries!

How to recycle household batteries

Never place rechargeable or lithium-ion batteries in curbside recycling or trash. Improper disposal can cause fires during collection and processing.

Residents should:

  • Use designated battery collection locations
  • Follow retailer take-back instructions
  • Tape battery terminals before drop-off (for lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries)
  • A 9V battery being taped on the anodes for safe transport

    Learn how to prepare batteries for transport and/or recycling