How to recycle batteries safely

Batteries of all kinds — from the AA in your remote control to the lithium pack in your laptop — must be recycled through dedicated channels, never thrown in the bin. Here's everything you need to know to do it safely and easily.

Why batteries must never go in general waste

This is the single most important rule about battery disposal: batteries must not go in your household bin, and they must not go in your kerbside recycling collection either.

In many countries, disposing of batteries in general waste is actually illegal, or retailers that sell batteries are legally required to accept them back. The infrastructure for collecting and recycling batteries has grown significantly, so finding a drop-off point is easier than ever.

Types of batteries and how each is recycled

Different battery chemistries are recycled through different processes. Knowing what you have helps you find the right route.

Single-use alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)
These are the most common household batteries. They contain zinc, manganese dioxide and potassium hydroxide. Most battery collection points accept them. They are recycled to recover the zinc, steel and manganese, which are used in new products including fertiliser and steel production.

Rechargeable batteries (NiMH, NiCd)
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are common in rechargeable AA and AAA cells. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, older and now less common, contain cadmium, which is toxic and must not enter landfill. Both types are accepted at most battery collection points. NiCd batteries may have separate handling requirements at some facilities.

Button cells / coin cells
Tiny batteries used in watches, hearing aids, key fobs, small remotes and greeting cards with sounds. Many contain silver oxide or lithium. They are small but should not be binned — they can be swallowed by children and cause serious injury, and their materials need proper recovery. Most battery collection points accept them. Pharmacies and hearing aid centres often take button cells too.

Lithium batteries (including lithium-ion and lithium polymer)
Found in phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, power banks, e-cigarettes and many modern power tools. These are the battery type most associated with fire risk during disposal. They must be handled carefully (see storage and transport below) and taken to an appropriate recycling point. Many electronics retailers operate takeback for lithium batteries. For devices where the battery is built in and cannot be removed, see below and our e-waste recycling guide.

Car, motorcycle and leisure batteries (lead-acid)
Large lead-acid batteries from vehicles are one of the most successfully recycled battery types — the lead and sulphuric acid are both highly recoverable. Garages and car parts retailers almost universally accept old car batteries for recycling. Household waste and recycling centres also take them. Do not attempt to dispose of these in any domestic bin.

Power tool batteries
Typically lithium-ion or older NiCd packs. Many power tool brands and retailers operate takeback schemes. Recycling centres also accept them. Check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific battery pack.

Vape and e-cigarette batteries
Disposable vapes and e-cigarettes contain lithium batteries and electronic components, making them both battery waste and e-waste. They should not go in any bin. Retailers that sell them are increasingly required to take them back, and many councils have added specific collection points at recycling centres. Check your local options.

Devices with built-in, non-removable batteries
Smartphones, tablets, wireless earbuds, smartwatches, laptops and many modern devices have batteries sealed inside. These should be treated as electronic waste (e-waste) rather than just battery waste. Many retailers offer takeback, and recycling centres have e-waste areas that accept these devices.

Where to recycle batteries

Battery recycling infrastructure varies by country, but collection points are widely available in most places. Here are the main options:

• Supermarkets and grocery stores. Many large supermarkets have a small battery collection box near the entrance or customer service desk. These typically accept household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) and button cells.
• Electronics and DIY retailers. Shops that sell batteries or electronics are often required by law to accept used batteries in return. In the UK, for example, any retailer selling more than a set quantity of batteries per year must provide a collection point.
• Pharmacies. Many pharmacies accept button cells and hearing aid batteries, and some also accept general household batteries.
• Household waste and recycling centres. Your local tip or transfer station will have a battery collection point. These usually accept all types including car batteries, lithium packs and power tool batteries.
• Libraries, community centres and public buildings. Many councils and local authorities place battery collection boxes in public buildings as a convenience service.
• Manufacturer and brand takeback schemes. For power tools, e-bikes and similar, check the manufacturer's website. Many brands run their own recycling programmes.
• Local authority collection events. Some councils run periodic hazardous waste or battery collection days — worth checking their calendar.

To find the nearest drop-off point, search online for "battery recycling near me" plus your location, or check your local council or municipality's recycling guide.

Safe storage and transport

Between removing a battery from a device and taking it to a collection point, you need to store it safely. This is especially important for lithium batteries.

1. Keep batteries in a cool, dry place. Heat accelerates battery degradation and increases the risk of leakage or, for lithium batteries, thermal runaway. Don't store batteries in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
2. Tape the terminals of lithium batteries and 9V batteries. A 9V battery's two terminals are close together on the same end — if they contact metal or another battery they can short-circuit. Lithium batteries from any device should also have their terminals taped with electrical tape or masking tape before storage or transport. This is especially important if you're collecting a bagful to take to the recycling centre.
3. Use a non-conductive container. Store used batteries in a plastic bag, cardboard box or purpose-made battery collection container. Don't put them in a metal tin where terminals could contact the sides and cause a short.
4. Don't pile up loose batteries. Loose batteries rattling around together in a bag or drawer can touch terminals and discharge or short-circuit. Tape each lithium battery individually, and keep them organised rather than tumbled together.
5. Don't leave them too long. Try to make a trip to a collection point every few months rather than accumulating a very large batch at home. The longer batteries sit, the more likely they are to leak (particularly older alkaline batteries that are partially discharged).
6. Transport them in a bag or box, not loose in a pocket or bag. A pocket full of loose batteries with keys or coins is exactly the kind of contact that can cause a short circuit.

Damaged or swollen batteries

Handle batteries that appear damaged, leaking or swollen with extra care. A swollen lithium battery — one that has puffed up and deformed — is under internal stress and can be dangerous.

• Do not charge a swollen battery or continue using a device that contains one.
• Do not puncture, crush or apply pressure to a swollen or damaged battery.
• If a battery is leaking, avoid skin contact with the electrolyte — wear gloves if possible. Wash skin promptly with soap and water if contact occurs.
• Place the damaged battery in a plastic bag (unsealed, to allow any gas to escape) and place that inside a rigid container to prevent pressure building up.
• Contact your local recycling centre or council to ask about the correct disposal route for a damaged lithium battery — some centres have specific procedures for these.
• In cases where a lithium battery is actively hot, smoking or has started to deform rapidly, move it away from flammable materials, go outside if possible, and contact your local fire service for guidance.

Reduce battery waste with rechargeables

The most sustainable battery is the one you don't throw away. Rechargeable batteries for everyday household uses — AA and AAA cells — are an easy switch that cuts the number of batteries you send through the recycling system significantly.

• Modern rechargeable NiMH batteries hold a charge well and last for hundreds of recharge cycles before they need replacing. Over their lifetime, a single rechargeable cell can replace a large number of disposables.
• They work well in most devices: remote controls, torches, clocks, game controllers, computer mice and keyboards, and children's toys.
• A basic charger is inexpensive and lasts for years. Some chargers can revive partially discharged batteries rather than overcharging them, which extends the batteries' lives further.
• For devices that need very low self-discharge (smoke alarm backup, emergency torch), look for "low self-discharge" rechargeable cells that hold their charge for longer when sitting unused.

For other reusable alternatives to single-use products, see our guide to reusable swaps.

Battery recycling checklist

• Never put batteries in the general waste bin or kerbside recycling.
• Tape the terminals of lithium batteries and 9V cells before storing or transporting.
• Keep used batteries in a cool, dry, non-conductive container until you can drop them off.
• Find your nearest collection point — supermarkets, pharmacies, DIY stores and recycling centres all usually have one.
• Take car batteries to a garage or recycling centre — don't leave them in the skip.
• Handle swollen or leaking batteries with gloves and extra care.
• Consider switching to rechargeable batteries for everyday devices.
• For devices with built-in batteries, treat them as e-waste and use a retailer takeback or recycling centre.