Batteries Recycling Near Me

Household batteries should be recycled, not trashed. Rechargeable and lithium batteries must never go in the trash or curbside bin because they can start fires. Many home-improvement and electronics stores have a battery drop-off bin, and city or county household hazardous waste sites accept every battery type.

How to prepare batteries for recycling

Tape the terminals of lithium, 9V and button batteries with clear tape.
Store batteries in a cool, dry container (not a sealed metal one) until you drop them off.
Keep damaged or swollen batteries separate and tell the staff before you hand them over.

What usually isn't accepted

Some retailer bins don't take car batteries, large power-tool packs or e-bike batteries
Leaking or swollen lithium batteries at standard collection bins — ask a hazardous-waste site

Will I get paid, or is there a fee?

Household battery drop-off is generally free. Lead-acid car batteries often earn store credit or a small payment at auto parts stores and scrap yards.

Common questions about batteries recycling

Can I throw alkaline batteries in the trash?

Federal rules allow it, but some states, including California, require all batteries to be recycled. Recycling is always the safer option.

Where do I take a dead e-bike or power-tool battery?

Call your local household hazardous waste site or the retailer who sold it. Large lithium packs usually can't go in standard retail bins.