Where to Take Used Batteries Safely Before You Make the Trip
The nearest battery drop-off is not automatically the right one. Lithium-ion, alkaline, rechargeable, button-cell, lead-acid, damaged and built-in batteries can follow different routes.
Use this guide to identify what you have, find an appropriate recycling location, verify today’s access, protect battery terminals when needed, and avoid putting a damaged battery into the wrong collection box.
Quick answer: identify the battery before choosing a location
For a normal used household battery, start with a battery-specific locator or your city or county solid-waste program. Check the exact chemistry, size, condition, quantity and current drop-off hours before visiting.
Lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries should not be placed in normal household trash or curbside recycling. EPA recommends taking them to a separate battery-recycling or household hazardous-waste collection point and protecting terminals from short circuits.
On this page
- Find a nearby drop-off
- Choose the right route
- Hours and weekend checks
- Battery type table
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Alkaline batteries
- Rechargeable batteries
- Car and lead-acid batteries
- Batteries inside devices
- Damaged or recalled batteries
- E-bike and large packs
- Free vs paid drop-off
- Mail-in and shipping
- Business batteries
- Preparation checklist
- Related guides
- Official sources
- Nearby map search
- FAQs
Find a Battery Drop-Off Near You Without Wasting a Trip
The U.S. Call2Recycle program is now branded The Battery Network. Its locator asks for your location and battery type because participating sites do not all accept the same batteries.
Current locator update
Call2Recycle U.S. was renamed The Battery Network in January 2026. Older pages or search results may still use the Call2Recycle name, but the current U.S. program and drop-off locator use The Battery Network branding.
How to use the locator effectively
- Enter your ZIP code, city or address. Start with the location where you actually plan to drop off the battery.
- Choose the battery type. Available options depend on the program and state. Do not assume every location accepts every chemistry.
- Open the individual location details. Look beyond the map pin for battery type, size or program restrictions.
- Check the battery’s condition. A normal used battery and a swollen, leaking, crushed or recalled battery may need completely different handling.
- Verify today’s access. Confirm store hours, collection-area access and any quantity or resident restrictions.
- Call for anything unusual. E-bike batteries, large tool packs, UPS batteries, mobility batteries, damaged batteries and business quantities deserve a direct confirmation.
Choose the Right Recycling Route Before Leaving Home
Retail battery drop-off
Useful for participating household battery programs. Check the exact chemistry, size limit and whether the collection box accepts single-use batteries in your state.
City or county HHW
Often the better route for mixed household batteries, harder-to-place batteries and items excluded from ordinary retailer boxes.
Electronics recycler
Use this route when a rechargeable battery is built into a phone, laptop, tablet, tool, toy or other electronic device.
Auto or battery retailer
Often appropriate for automotive lead-acid batteries and similar vehicle batteries. Core-return rules may apply.
Specialty battery recycler
Large e-bike, scooter, mobility, energy-storage and high-energy packs may exceed ordinary public-bin limits.
Damaged-battery route
Swollen, defective, leaking, punctured, crushed or recalled lithium batteries should not be placed in a standard public collection box.
Battery Recycling Center Hours: Open Today, Weekends and Holidays
Battery drop-off access does not always match the building’s posted business hours. A store may be open while a collection box is full or unavailable. A transfer station may be open for trash but not operating its household hazardous-waste area.
| Search Need | Why the Listing Can Mislead | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Open now | A map may show the store or facility open, not the battery program. | Ask whether battery drop-off is available right now. |
| Open today | Some HHW programs operate only on selected dates or by appointment. | Confirm the battery program’s exact date and hours. |
| Saturday | Retail bins may be accessible while municipal programs use shorter weekend schedules. | Battery acceptance, cutoff time and staffing. |
| Sunday | Public special-waste programs may be closed even when nearby stores are open. | Use the individual location details or call. |
| Holiday | Retail, county and private recycler schedules may all differ. | Official holiday notice plus battery-program access. |
Battery Types: Where Each One Usually Goes
The label on the battery matters more than its shape or color. EPA specifically recommends identifying batteries by chemistry because similar-looking batteries can require different end-of-life handling.
| Battery Type | Common Examples | Typical Route | Important Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion | Phones, laptops, tablets, tools, headphones, cameras, power banks, e-bikes | Battery recycler, retailer program, e-waste recycler or HHW | Condition, terminal protection, pack size and program acceptance |
| Lithium primary | Some cameras, remotes, smoke detectors and specialty cells | Specialized battery recycler, participating retailer or HHW | Look for the word “lithium” on the battery |
| NiCd / NiMH / NiZn | Older tools, cameras, cordless phones, toys and radios | Rechargeable-battery collection program or HHW | Size, damage and terminal-protection instructions |
| Alkaline / zinc-carbon | AA, AAA, C, D and many 9V household batteries | Local battery recycling where available; local rules control disposal | Your city, county or state program before assuming recycling is offered |
| Button / coin | Watches, hearing devices, key fobs, calculators and small electronics | Specialized recycler, participating retailer or HHW | Chemistry and terminal-protection instructions |
| Lead-acid | Cars, motorcycles, boats, mobility devices, backup power | Battery retailer, auto retailer, HHW or approved recycler | Cracks, leakage, upright transport and return/core rules |
| Built-in battery | Phones, tablets, laptops, earbuds, toys and small appliances | Electronics or product take-back program | Do not force removal if the device is not designed for user service |
| Damaged / recalled | Swollen, leaking, crushed, punctured, hot or recalled lithium batteries | Contact manufacturer, municipality, HHW or trained approved recycler first | Do not place in a normal public battery collection box |
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling for Phones, Laptops, Tools and Power Banks
EPA says lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them should not go into household garbage or municipal recycling bins. Crushing, puncturing or short-circuiting a lithium battery can create a fire hazard even when the battery appears discharged.
For normal used household lithium-ion batteries, use a battery recycler, participating retailer, electronics recycler or local household hazardous-waste program that accepts the exact battery.
Protect terminals before drop-off
EPA recommends preventing exposed battery terminals from contacting metal. Non-conductive tape over the terminals or an individual plastic bag can help reduce short-circuit risk. Keep the battery label readable and follow the receiving program’s own preparation instructions.
Alkaline Battery Recycling for AA, AAA, C, D and 9V Batteries
Alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries follow different rules from lithium and rechargeable batteries. EPA states that in most communities these common batteries can be placed in household trash, but local and state requirements can be stricter. EPA also recommends recycling them where an appropriate program is available.
That means a national “all batteries must go to HHW” rule would be inaccurate. Check your local solid-waste authority or battery locator to see whether alkaline recycling is available in your area.
9V batteries need extra attention
A 9V battery has both terminals close together on the top. Follow the receiving program’s terminal-protection instructions and do not store loose 9V batteries against coins, tools or other metal.
Mixed battery containers
If you have a jar or box containing alkaline, lithium, button-cell and rechargeable batteries together, sort them before visiting when practical. Do not dump an unidentified mixture into a public collection box unless the program specifically allows it.
Rechargeable Batteries: NiCd, NiMH, Lithium-Ion and Tool Packs
Rechargeable batteries commonly appear in cordless tools, cameras, phones, toys, radios, headphones, electric toothbrushes and portable electronics. EPA recommends taking rechargeable batteries to specialized recyclers, participating retailer programs or local HHW collection instead of normal municipal recycling.
Power-tool batteries
Tool packs vary considerably in voltage, chemistry and size. Check the pack label and the drop-off location’s size rules. A small cordless-drill battery may fit a retail program while a much larger commercial or high-energy pack may need a specialty route.
Phone and laptop batteries
If the battery is designed to be safely removable, follow the battery program’s instructions. If the battery is sealed inside the device, use an electronics recycling route instead of prying or cutting the device open.
Car and Lead-Acid Battery Recycling
Lead-acid batteries are common in cars, motorcycles, boats, lawn equipment, mobility devices and backup-power systems. EPA recommends returning lead-acid batteries to a battery retailer or local household hazardous-waste program rather than putting them in household trash or municipal recycling.
Vehicle-battery collection is well established in the United States, and retailers or dealers often use a core-return system when a replacement battery is purchased. The exact credit, deposit or return rule depends on the seller and state.
Transport a normal vehicle battery carefully
- Keep it upright and stable.
- Protect it from tipping or sliding.
- Keep conductive objects away from the terminals.
- Do not handle leaking acid with bare skin.
- Call the receiving facility before moving a cracked or leaking battery.
Phones, Laptops and Other Devices With Built-In Batteries
Many modern rechargeable batteries are not designed for routine consumer removal. EPA advises following the product’s safety markings, and a battery can become more dangerous if it is bent, punctured or crushed during forced removal.
If the battery remains inside a phone, laptop, tablet, toy or small electronic device, use an electronics recycler or take-back program that accepts battery-containing equipment.
Use the electronic recycling center guide for e-waste hours, data wiping, device fees, TVs, computers and electronics with built-in batteries.
Damaged, Swollen, Leaking, Hot or Recalled Batteries
A damaged lithium battery is not a routine drop-off item. Warning signs can include swelling or bulging, leaking, unusual heat, cracking, crushing, punctures, hissing, popping, smoke, unusual odor or visible damage.
The Battery Network states that damaged or defective batteries require special handling and should not be placed in its normal collection boxes. CPSC also warns that recalled or defective lithium-ion products may need a different disposal route from normal battery collection.
For a damaged battery that is not actively burning
- Stop using or charging it. Do not continue operating equipment with a visibly damaged or swollen battery.
- Keep it away from flammable material. Follow manufacturer guidance for the specific product.
- Do not put it into trash, curbside recycling or a normal retail battery box.
- Contact the manufacturer, municipality, HHW program or trained recycler. Describe the battery’s condition before moving it.
- Check for recalls. A recall notice may contain product-specific handling and disposal instructions.
E-Bike, Scooter, UPS, Mobility and Large Battery Packs
Large lithium packs may exceed the limits of small public battery boxes. The Battery Network notes that some participating sites accept specialty batteries such as e-bike or high-energy batteries, but location details must be checked before visiting.
For an e-bike, scooter, mobility device, UPS or unusually large tool battery, use the manufacturer, retailer, specialty battery program, electronics recycler or HHW route that confirms it can handle that pack.
Electric-vehicle and stationary-storage batteries
EPA recommends contacting the vehicle manufacturer, automobile dealer, service shop, battery provider or energy-storage installer for medium and large lithium-ion systems. These batteries are not ordinary household drop-off items.
Is Battery Recycling Free?
Many household collection programs are free to eligible consumers, but free drop-off is not universal. Battery chemistry, size, quantity, condition, residency, program funding and whether the batteries came from a household or business can affect the cost.
| Drop-Off Type | Usually Best For | Verify Before You Go |
|---|---|---|
| Retail collection | Accepted household batteries | Chemistry, pack size, quantity and damaged-battery exclusions |
| City / county HHW | Mixed batteries and harder-to-place household batteries | Residency, appointment, event dates and quantity limits |
| Electronics recycler | Devices with built-in batteries | Device categories, battery condition and possible fees |
| Battery / auto retailer | Vehicle lead-acid batteries | Core return, proof of purchase and leaking-battery policy |
| Specialty recycler | Large packs, business quantities and uncommon batteries | Pre-approval, pricing and transport requirements |
Mail-In Battery Recycling and Lithium Shipping Rules
Mail-in recycling can be useful when the program provides a compliant collection kit and instructions. Lithium batteries are regulated in transportation because short circuits, damage and high stored energy can cause overheating and fire.
PHMSA states that lithium batteries offered for transportation must follow applicable hazardous-material transportation requirements. Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries can face stricter requirements than normal used batteries.
If a battery is damaged, recalled, unusually large or high-energy, confirm whether the program can legally and safely accept it before preparing a shipment.
Business, School and Bulk Battery Recycling
A household drop-off box is not automatically suitable for batteries generated by an office, school, repair shop, warehouse, landlord, contractor or other business. Commercial quantities may involve different recycling, documentation and hazardous-material transportation responsibilities.
EPA notes that federal household hazardous-waste exclusions generally apply to household waste, while businesses must determine how applicable waste rules affect the batteries they generate. States may also impose stricter requirements.
- Which battery chemistries and sizes do you accept?
- Do you accept damaged or recalled batteries?
- Is pickup available?
- What packaging, labeling or terminal protection is required?
- Do you provide recycling or shipment documentation?
- Are there minimum quantities or fees?
- What state-specific rules apply to this shipment?
How to Prepare Household Batteries for Recycling Drop-Off
Prepare the batteries before you reach the collection point. This reduces confusion at the counter and helps prevent loose terminals or damaged batteries from entering the wrong container.
- Read the labels. Look for lithium, Li-ion, NiCd, NiMH, alkaline, lead-acid, button-cell or other chemistry information.
- Separate by type when practical. Keep lithium, rechargeable, alkaline, button-cell, lead-acid and unknown batteries apart.
- Inspect for damage. Set aside swollen, leaking, hot, cracked, crushed, punctured or recalled batteries.
- Protect terminals where required. For lithium and other exposed-terminal batteries, use non-conductive tape or separate plastic bags according to EPA and facility instructions.
- Keep batteries away from loose metal. Do not carry them mixed with coins, keys, screws, foil or tools.
- Verify size and quantity limits. Call ahead for e-bike batteries, UPS units, mobility batteries, large tool packs and bulk loads.
- Confirm access before driving. Check today’s battery-program hours, appointment rules and damaged-battery restrictions.
Official Battery Recycling and Safety Sources
National sources explain battery chemistry, lithium-fire precautions and transportation principles. Your city, county, state, retailer or selected recycling program controls the final local acceptance rules and hours.
Battery Recycling Near Me Map Search
Use a map to compare distance and directions, but use the battery locator or official facility page to decide whether the location actually accepts your battery.
Map warning: a listing may not show battery chemistry, pack-size limits, damaged-battery exclusions, resident requirements, appointments, full collection boxes or current special-waste hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Battery Recycling
How do I find a battery recycling location near me?
Use a battery-specific locator such as The Battery Network, choose the battery type you have, then open the individual location details. Confirm current hours, battery chemistry, size limits, quantity limits and damaged-battery rules before visiting.
Can batteries go in my regular recycling bin?
Lithium-ion, lithium-metal, lead-acid and most rechargeable batteries should not go into household garbage or municipal recycling bins. They require a separate battery, electronics or household hazardous-waste route. Alkaline and zinc-carbon rules can differ locally.
Where can I recycle lithium-ion batteries?
Use a battery recycler, participating retailer, electronics recycler or household hazardous-waste site that specifically accepts lithium-ion batteries. Protect terminals as instructed and keep damaged batteries out of normal public collection boxes.
Can alkaline AA and AAA batteries go in the trash?
EPA states that in most communities common alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries can be put in household trash, but state and local rules can be stricter. EPA recommends recycling them where an appropriate local option is available.
What should I do with a swollen battery?
Stop using or charging it and do not put it into household trash, curbside recycling or a normal public battery box. Contact the manufacturer, local household hazardous-waste program, municipality or an approved recycler for instructions before transporting it.
What should I do if a lithium battery is smoking or on fire?
Do not transport it to a recycling facility. Move away from the hazard, evacuate as needed and follow emergency guidance. The U.S. Fire Administration advises calling 911 when a lithium-ion battery fire occurs.
Where do used car batteries go?
Lead-acid vehicle batteries commonly go to battery retailers, automobile retailers, household hazardous-waste programs or approved battery recyclers. Keep a normal battery upright during transport and call first if it is cracked or leaking.
Can I recycle a battery that is built into a laptop or phone?
Yes, but use an electronics recycling or take-back program if the battery is not designed for safe consumer removal. Do not pry, puncture or bend a built-in lithium battery just to separate it from the device.
Is battery recycling free?
Many household programs are free, but fees or restrictions can apply to large batteries, unusual chemistries, business quantities, specialty packs and some local programs. Verify the exact location before visiting.
Can I mail batteries to a recycler?
Use mail-in recycling only when the program supplies compliant instructions or packaging for the battery. Lithium batteries are regulated in transportation, and damaged, defective, recalled or large packs can require additional precautions or restrictions.
Is Recycling-Centre.org an official battery recycling service?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. It does not operate battery drop-off sites or confirm same-day acceptance. Verify current rules with the selected recycler, retailer, city, county, state agency or battery program.