Batteries (Lithium-Ion) Alternative ways to recycle Hazardous Waste Recycle More Program Never Throw in the Garbage Batteries contain metals and corrosive chemicals that contaminate the environment when not properly processed. All batteries need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Lithium-Ion Batteries Cause Fires Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive and can start fires when put in the garbage or curbside recycling. Always dispose of rechargeable batteries and devices properly to keep sanitation workers safe. Lithium Batteries Are Single-Use While lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, standard lithium batteries cannot be recharged. Learn how to dispose of single-use batteries. Alternative Ways to Recycle Recycle With Call2Recycle Call2Recycle is a no-cost recycling program with collection sites across the United States and Canada. Find out more. Lowe’s Recycling Program Lowe’s accepts rechargeable batteries and CFLs at any of their store locations for free recycling. Find the nearest store. The Office Depot Battery Recycling Program Office Depot allows consumers to bring their rechargeable batteries to any location for free recycling. Find the nearest store. Best Buy’s Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy will take back rechargeable batteries as well as the following: battery backups (UPS), button batteries, cell phone batteries and laptop batteries. They do not accept single-use, car, or other wet cell batteries. Find out more. The Big Green Box Battery Recycling Program The Big Green Box is a mail-in battery recycling program for both residences and businesses. Their system is simple: Order a box, fill it up with your used batteries, then ship it back to the company’s EPA-approved recycling center. Learn more. Did You Know? Lithium-Ion Battery Fires on the Rise Since lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to pressure and contact, they can cause truck or facility fires when accidentally thrown in the garbage or curbside recycling. One Brooklyn recycling facility recorded over 100 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in 2021. Another lithium-ion battery fire burned down a public recycling center in San Carlos, California, causing $6.8 million in damages. What Devices Use Lithium-Ion Batteries? Lithium-ion batteries are found in common consumer electronics such as wireless headphones, cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, calculators, handheld gaming devices, hearing aids, hoverboards, e-cigarettes, and cordless appliances and power tools. Lithium-ion batteries are also used in electric vehicles and solar energy storage.
