Disposing of lithium ion battery

How do you dispose of lithium batteries?

To dispose of lithium batteries, you'll need to take them to a recycling center, which is easy to find online. Keep batteries out of your regular recycling bin. Household batteries are recycled separately from other items. Mixing batteries in with other recyclables can result in a fire, as the battery can spark.

Can you put lithium batteries in the trash?

Unlike alkaline batteries, lithium batteries are reactive and contain hazardous materials. For this reason, you should not put them in the trash. To dispose of lithium batteries, you'll need to take them to a recycling center, which is easy to find online. Keep batteries out of your regular recycling bin.

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 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.

How do you store used lithium batteries?

Store the batteries in a cool, dry place until disposal. It's best to avoid extreme temperatures, since batteries can be reactive. Similarly, it's best to keep the batteries dry. Place your used lithium batteries in a pantry, cabinet, or closet. Take your battery to the collection site.

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.