Electronics / Hazardous
Batteries
household batteries, AA batteries, AAA batteries, single-use batteries, alkaline batteries
Can you recycle?
Sometimes
Yes — but never in your curbside bin. Batteries must go to a battery drop-off point, where they're recycled safely.
How to prepare
1. Keep batteries out of any home recycling or trash bin — they're a fire risk. 2. Tape the terminals of 9V and lithium batteries with clear tape. 3. Store them in a non-metal container until you have a few. 4. Take them to a battery collection point at a supermarket, hardware store, or recycling center.
Common mistakes
Putting batteries in curbside recycling, where they cause fires in trucks and sorting facilities. Storing loose lithium batteries together so the terminals touch. Assuming 'dead' batteries are harmless — they still hold charge.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled batteries are broken down to recover metals like steel, zinc, lithium, and cobalt, which go back into making new batteries and other steel products.
Drop-off guidance
Most large supermarkets, hardware stores, and recycling centers have a battery collection box near the entrance, and many electronics retailers take them too. Car and industrial batteries go to a dedicated recycling center or auto retailer.
FAQs
Can I recycle batteries?
Yes, but not in your curbside bin. Batteries are a fire hazard in home collection and must go to a battery drop-off point.
Where can I recycle batteries near me?
Use the lookup above to find your nearest collection point, or check the entrance of your local supermarket or hardware store.
Is it free to recycle batteries?
Yes. Battery drop-off points are free to use.
Can I get paid to recycle batteries?
Not for household batteries, but scrap yards may pay for car and other lead-acid batteries by weight.
