Don’t Toss Batteries in the Trash – Here’s What to Do

DO

• Put everyday AA, AAA, C, D, and 9‑volt alkaline batteries in the regular trash once they are used up.
• Before you throw them away, tape the terminals on 9‑volt batteries and any coin or button batteries with clear, packing, or electrical tape.
• Place taped batteries in a small clear plastic bag, then into your household garbage cart (never loose).
• Take all rechargeable batteries (lithium‑ion, tool batteries, phone batteries, vape batteries, camera packs) to a battery drop‑off or household hazardous waste site.
• Take car batteries and other lead‑acid batteries back to an auto parts store or HHW event for recycling.

DON’T

• Don’t put any batteries in your recycling cart.
• Don’t throw rechargeable, lithium‑ion, vape, tool, or damaged/swollen batteries in the trash – they can start fires in your garbage, trucks, and at recycling facilities.
• Don’t mix loose batteries with scrap metal, wires, or tools.

Easy Battery ID For Residents

• “If it says ‘rechargeable,’ ‘lithium‑ion,’ ‘Li‑ion,’ ‘NiMH,’ or ‘NiCd’ – treat it as hazardous, never put it in the trash.
• “If it looks like a car battery or a big sealed ‘brick’ – recycle it, don’t put it curbside.
• “Most AA/AAA/C/D marked ‘alkaline’ can go in the trash after you follow the safety steps above.

Short Safety Message

Improperly discarded batteries have caused fires in garbage trucks and facilities. A strip of tape and the right drop‑off location help protect your home, the drivers, equipment, and your neighborhood.

Find local battery drop‑off locations and hazardous waste events at:
Solid Waste, Recyclables, Horticulture, and Bulk Trash Removal  or Household Chemical Waste and Electronics Recycling Facility