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How to Recycle Batteries: Which Go in the Trash and Which Don’t

Alkaline batteries can go in the trash in most places, but lithium-ion batteries never should. Here’s how the EPA says to handle each type safely.

By SHOP & SPOT EditorsLast reviewed Nov 9, 2026Research-based guide · 2 sources

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Four AA batteries.

Photo: Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

This guide is for anyone with a drawer of dead batteries, old phones or rechargeable packs who wants to get rid of them safely.

Batteries look alike in a drawer, but they don’t all belong in the same place. The big rule: rechargeable lithium-ion batteries need special handling, because a damaged one can start a fire in a garbage truck or a recycling facility.

The quick answer

The EPA says certain batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins.1 In most communities, alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries can safely go in the household trash.1 Lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries should go to a battery recycler or household hazardous waste collection.1

Sort what you have

Battery type Common in Where it goes
Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) Remotes, toys, flashlights Household trash in most communities; check local rules1
Lithium-ion (rechargeable) Phones, laptops, power banks, tools Battery recycling or hazardous waste drop-off. Never trash or curbside bins1
Batteries inside electronics Old phones, tablets, toys The EPA says to remove them if you can; they may need to be recycled separately2

Our advice: if you can’t tell what kind of battery it is, treat it as one that needs recycling.

Prepare them for drop-off

The EPA says to tape the battery terminals and/or put each battery in its own plastic bag.1 That keeps the metal ends from touching each other and short-circuiting. Clear packing tape over the contacts works.

Don’t try to remove a battery that’s glued in or swollen. Take the whole device to an electronics recycler.

Where to take them

The EPA says waste batteries can always be recycled or taken to household hazardous waste collection points, and it points to services such as Call2Recycle and Earth911 for finding locations.1 Many hardware and electronics stores also have collection bins; call ahead to confirm what they take.

Quick checklist

  • Pull out the rechargeable and lithium batteries first.
  • Tape the terminals or bag each one.
  • Keep them in a cool, dry container until drop-off.
  • Find a drop-off site through your city, Call2Recycle or Earth911.

Sources & method

How we researched this

  • This is a research-based guide, not a hands-on product test.
  • Every measurement and safety figure is attributed to the source it comes from. Where we give our own advice, we say so.
  • We don’t rank or recommend specific products in this guide.

Sources

  1. Used Household Batteries, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.
  2. Electronics Donation and Recycling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.

Review history

  • Published Nov 9, 2026.