How to throw away lithium ion batteries

Where can I drop off a used lithium ion battery?

Instead, EPA recommends that all household lithium batteries be dropped off at battery collection sites (e.g., often located at electronics retailers) or household hazardous waste collection facilities for proper management. The EPA Used Lithium-Ion Batteries web page offers resources to find a battery recycling location near you.

How do you dispose of lithium batteries?

To dispose of lithium batteries, you'll need to take them to a recycling center, which is easy to find online. Keep batteries out of your regular recycling bin. Household batteries are recycled separately from other items. Mixing batteries in with other recyclables can result in a fire, as the battery can spark.

Should you throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash?

Remember that you should never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. If they end up in landfills, they can leak harmful chemicals like lithium salts and cobalt, or even start underground fires, which are difficult to control and dangerous for the environment.

What is the purpose of recycling lithium-ion batteries?

The purpose of recycling lithium-ion batteries is to avoid toxic electronic waste from clogging the landfills and to use the retrieved materials in the fabrication of new products. If you want to dispose of or recycle your old batteries, here are 4 steps you can take to safely recycle them.

How do you care for a used lithium battery?

EPA recommends that households who generate used lithium batteries treat them with care, isolate the terminals (e.g., cover the terminals with non-metallic tape while keeping the label legible, or individually bag batteries), and protect the batteries from damage.

Can lithium ion batteries be recycled?

Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. Lithium-ion batteries SHOULD be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points. To prevent fires, tape battery terminals and/or place lithium-ion batteries in separate plastic bags.