Safe disposal of lithium ion batteries

Where can I drop off a used lithium ion battery?

Instead, EPA recommends that all household lithium batteries be dropped off at battery collection sites (e.g., often located at electronics retailers) or household hazardous waste collection facilities for proper management. The EPA Used Lithium-Ion Batteries web page offers resources to find a battery recycling location near you.

Can lithium ion batteries be recycled?

Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. Lithium-ion batteries SHOULD be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points. To prevent fires, tape battery terminals and/or place lithium-ion batteries in separate plastic bags.

Where should lithium batteries be disposed of?

Do not place the waste lithium batteries in the household trash or in curbside recycling bins. Instead, EPA recommends that all household lithium batteries be dropped off at battery collection sites (e.g., often located at electronics retailers) or household hazardous waste collection facilities for proper management.

Are lithium-ion batteries hazardous waste?

Most lithium-ion batteries on the market are likely to meet the definition of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Most lithium-ion batteries when discarded would likely be considered ignitable and reactive hazardous wastes (carrying the waste codes D001 and D003, respectively).

What is the purpose of recycling lithium-ion batteries?

The purpose of recycling lithium-ion batteries is to avoid toxic electronic waste from clogging the landfills and to use the retrieved materials in the fabrication of new products. If you want to dispose of or recycle your old batteries, here are 4 steps you can take to safely recycle them.

How do you dispose of batteries?

You must take batteries to an authorized recycling center, a universal waste handler or a household hazardous waste disposal facility. When you know how to dispose of batteries, you can help the environment. Dropoff sites typically accept rechargeable batteries for recycling. For single-use batteries, you can get a mail-order recycling kit.