How to Throw Away Batteries

Learning how to throw away batteries the right way protects the environment and reduces safety risks like fires and chemical leaks. Batteries power everyday household devices—from phones and remotes to power tools and smoke detectors—so correct battery disposal matters for your home and your community.

At Prime Dumpster, we provide practical information and resources to help you recycle batteries safely. In this guide you’ll learn the main battery types, how to store used cells safely, where to take old batteries for recycling, and state rules that affect disposal.

Fast Facts: Battery Disposal Essentials

Here are four vital safety and environmental tips for properly disposing of different battery types in your home and workplace.

• Tape terminals on 9-volt and rechargeable batteries before disposal or storage to prevent dangerous short circuits that can cause fires when batteries contact metal objects or other batteries.
• Never put rechargeable batteries in regular trash since lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries contain hazardous materials that require special recycling through certified drop-off programs.
• Check local regulations for single-use alkaline batteries as disposal rules vary significantly by state and municipality, with some areas allowing them in trash while others require recycling.
• Avoid putting any batteries in dumpsters since mixed waste environments increase fire risks and prevent proper hazardous material handling, making designated recycling centers and retail drop-off programs the safest disposal option.

Understanding these fundamentals helps protect the environment while preventing dangerous incidents like fires or chemical contamination in waste facilities.

Understanding Battery Types

Identifying battery types is the first step in safe disposal. Different chemistries and sizes—from single-use cells to rechargeable packs—require different handling, storage, and end-of-life options. Below we break down common household battery types and the basic disposal guidance for each.

Single-Use Batteries

Single-use batteries (alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt) are found in many household items such as remotes, smoke detectors, and toys. In many areas alkaline batteries are allowed in regular trash, but rules vary by state—check local guidance before you toss.

9-volt batteries are an exception because their terminals can short and cause fires if they contact other metal objects. Before disposal or storage, tape the terminals with electrical tape or place the battery in a clear plastic bag to prevent accidental shorting.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries—such as lithium-ion (found in cellphones and laptops), nickel-cadmium (Ni‑Cd), and nickel‑metal hydride (Ni‑MH)—power everything from smartphones to power tools. These battery types contain materials that can be hazardous if released, so they should not be thrown in the trash.

Recycle rechargeable batteries through a certified battery recycling program or retail drop-off (for example, Call2Recycle partner locations). When preparing rechargeable batteries for drop-off, keep like chemistries together, tape exposed terminals if present, and store them in a cool, dry place away from household hazardous materials.

Lead-Acid and Button Cell Batteries

Lead-acid batteries (car, motorcycle, and some wheelchair batteries) are heavy and contain lead and acid—classed as hazardous waste—and must be recycled at designated facilities. Many retailers and service shops accept used lead-acid batteries for proper recycling.

Button cell batteries (used in watches and hearing aids) often contain mercury or other metals depending on the type; many programs accept them for recycling, but check local rules because handling and drop-off requirements vary by composition.

Quick safety tips: if a battery is leaking or visibly damaged, avoid touching the contents—place it in a sealed plastic bag, label it as damaged, and take it to a hazardous waste facility or contact a recycling service for guidance.

How to Throw Away Batteries Responsibly

Properly disposing batteries protects the environment and prevents dangerous incidents like fires or contamination. Different battery chemistries and sizes need different disposal paths—knowing which to toss, recycle, or take to a specialized facility makes it easy to do the right thing.

For single-use batteries (AA, AAA, C, D): many areas allow alkaline cells in regular trash, but local rules vary—always check your state or local waste authority before disposing. As a safety step, tape 9‑volt terminals or place individual cells in a clear plastic bag before putting them out with household trash.

Rechargeable batteries—lithium-ion packs from phones and laptops, Ni‑Cd, and Ni‑MH cells used in tools—should not be disposed in the trash. These rechargeable batteries contain materials that can be hazardous if released and must be recycled at a drop-off site or through a mail-in program. Retail stores and battery recycling programs (for example, Call2Recycle partners and many big-box stores) accept rechargeable batteries for battery recycling.

Specialty batteries need extra care: button cell batteries (watches, hearing aids) often require special recycling depending on composition, and lead-acid car batteries must be returned to a designated recycling facility or retailer that accepts them as hazardous waste.

Practical steps before drop-off: group like chemistries together, tape exposed terminals, store batteries in a cool dry place away from children and household hazardous products, and put damaged or leaking batteries in a sealed plastic bag and label them. If you’re unsure where to take batteries, search for local collection events, recycling centers, or use national drop-off locators to find a nearby recycling site.

Battery Recycling Options

You have several convenient options to recycle batteries—local drop-off, collection events, retail take-back, and mail-in services. Choosing the right option depends on the battery type, volume, and how quickly you need disposal; all help keep hazardous materials out of the landfill and protect water and soil.

Local Recycling Centers

Find a recycling center or household hazardous waste facility near you by checking your city or county website or using a national locator. Most local waste districts run periodic collection events where you can drop off single-use and rechargeable batteries safely. Before you go, confirm accepted battery types and any limits on quantity.

Mail-In Recycling Programs

Mail-in programs are a good option if you don’t have a nearby drop-off site. Certified recycling companies sell kits that include a shipping box and packing instructions; you fill the kit with batteries, seal it, and ship it for recycling. Fees typically cover handling and processing. Carefully follow the program’s packing rules—tape terminals, separate chemistries if instructed, and avoid mixing damaged cells with others.

How to prepare batteries for drop-off or mail-in:

• Tape exposed terminals on 9‑volt and rechargeable cells. Use electrical tape or other non-conductive tape.
• Place batteries in a clear plastic bag or separate containers by chemistry when requested.
• Label damaged or leaking batteries and place them in a sealed plastic bag; contact the recycling service or hazardous waste facility for instructions.
• For large volumes or business collections, contact a recycling service or hazardous waste facility to arrange pickup or a facility drop-off.

State-Specific Battery Disposal Guidelines

Battery disposal rules vary across the U.S., so check your state and local regulations before you discard cells. Some states treat batteries as household hazardous waste and require collection, while others allow certain single‑use batteries in the trash. Below are notable state rules and what they mean for you.

California: California has strict requirements and classifies many batteries as hazardous waste—residents and producers must follow AB 2440 and related rules for collection and recycling of lithium and other batteries. See the linked source for details and local collection options.

Hawaii: Retailers in Hawaii may be required to accept used lead‑acid batteries equal to the number sold, helping ensure proper recycling of car and marine batteries through authorized stores.

Illinois: The Battery Stewardship Act establishes producer responsibilities for battery recycling and phases in prohibitions on disposing of portable batteries—check the law for the effective dates and covered battery types through the official legislative link.

Iowa: Iowa encourages businesses that sell batteries to participate in or help create recycling systems; facilities that use large volumes of batteries may need on‑site recycling plans.

Indiana & Arkansas: Indiana requires retailers to post notices informing customers about proper battery disposal. Arkansas specifically prohibits mixing lead‑acid batteries with solid waste, so return car batteries to a recycling facility or retailer.

Florida, Kentucky & D.C.: These jurisdictions have laws restricting disposal of certain rechargeable or portable batteries in municipal waste—check local guidance to know which battery types cannot be thrown away.

What this means for you: search your state environmental agency or county waste website for authoritative information on collection events and accepted battery types. If you generate large volumes of batteries (businesses, schools, shops), contact a hazardous waste facility or certified recycling companies to set up compliant collection or pickup services.

Can You Throw Batteries in a Dumpster?

Do not throw batteries into a dumpster, especially public or shared dumpsters. Batteries can pose serious safety and environmental risks—some contain lead, mercury, cadmium, or lithium that can leak into soil and water, and damaged cells can spark fires if their terminals short against metal or other batteries.

Many states prohibit tossing certain types of batteries into municipal trash; while some single-use alkaline batteries are allowed in certain jurisdictions, rules vary—always check local guidance before you toss anything. If batteries are mixed with trash in a dumpster they may still end up at a waste facility unequipped to handle hazardous materials.

Instead of throwing batteries in any type of dumpster, take them to a designated recycling or household hazardous waste facility, retail drop-off, or a certified collection site. Many local recycling centers and hardware stores accept common rechargeable batteries and often participate in Call2Recycle or similar programs.

If you find batteries in a dumpster or discover a leaking/damaged battery: Do not touch the contents—wear gloves if possible, isolate the battery in a sealed plastic bag, and contact your local hazardous waste facility or recycling center for instructions. If there is smoke or fire, call emergency services immediately.

If you need help locating a safe drop-off or arranging a pickup for large volumes, please call your local hazardous waste facility or contact Prime Dumpster for guidance on responsible disposal options.

Conclusion

Proper battery disposal is a simple but powerful way to protect the environment and reduce safety risks. Whether you’re handling single‑use cells or rechargeable batteries, follow the correct steps—tape terminals, store used cells in a plastic bag away from children, and take old batteries to a certified drop‑off or recycling program—to prevent pollution, fires, and contamination of water and soil.

Need help? Contact us for guidance on safe disposal and collection options. If you’re unsure about a damaged or leaking battery, please call your local hazardous waste facility for instructions before handling it.