How Do You Dispose of Lithium Batteries?

Not in the trash or the recycling bin. The EPA says lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them should not go in household garbage or recycling bins, and should be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points. A battery put in the trash or a municipal recycling bin may be damaged or crushed in transport or by processing and sorting equipment, creating a fire hazard.

Before you drop them off, the EPA says to place each battery or device in a separate plastic bag and put non-conductive tape, such as electrical tape, over the battery’s terminals, because even used batteries can have enough energy to injure or start fires. If a battery is damaged, it says to contact the battery or device manufacturer for handling information.

For where to take them, the EPA says to use specialized battery recyclers or retailers that offer takeback services, or to contact your local solid waste or household hazardous waste program, and it names the Earth 911 database and Call2Recycle as resources for finding a recycler. Some states now require collection. Washington’s Battery Stewardship Program rule took effect January 16, 2026 and requires collection of most battery types, including larger batteries used in electric bikes, scooters and power tools.