Household batteries come in two main forms: rechargeable and single-use. The extent to which each can be recycled depends on a variety of factors including battery type and materials able to be recovered from the recycling process. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
“Batteries are manufactured using different mixtures of chemical elements designed to meet customers’ power and performance needs. Batteries can contain metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel and silver, which can pose a threat to human health or the environment when improperly managed at the end of their service life.”
As fire damage resulting from improper handling of lithium-ion batteries has increased in the last few years, so has the need to understand how and why we should take extra care in properly disposing of this specific item. For more information, check out our new Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Fact Sheet (available in both English and Spanish).
Important Notes on Recycling or Disposing of Batteries: When preparing batteries for recycling or disposal, always cover the electrical connections or battery terminals with a non-conductive tape (electrical or vinyl) or seal individual batteries in separate plastic bags so they cannot conduct electricity. This helps eliminate potential fire or explosion hazards when batteries are collected in a bulk container. If your batteries appear damaged, contact the battery or device manufacturer for handling information. Also, prior to transporting batteries to an outlet offering recycling, please contact the entity to confirm they accept your specific type of battery, as well as to inquire about any fees associated with the service.
Below are summaries of different types of batteries, their uses, and how they can be recycled or disposed of safely:
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel Cadmium batteries are rechargeable and come in traditional cylindrical battery sizes as well as a wide variety of battery packs. The battery packs are found in items such as cordless telephones, cordless power tools, hand-held vacuums, and video cameras. Cadmium is a toxic metal that can pose a threat to human health and the environment. Nickel cadmium batteries are labeled with the chemical symbol Ni-Cd.
Nickel Metal Hydride
Nickel metal hydride batteries are more environmentally friendly than nickel cadmium due to the absence of cadmium. These batteries can be found in camcorders, cell phones and power tools. They have many of the same performance characteristics as nickel cadmium and are labeled with the symbol NiMH.
Nickel-Zinc
Nickel-Zinc batteries are newer to the marketplace and can be found in digital cameras and wireless keyboards.
Lithium Ion
Lithium ion batteries that are rechargeable are typically found in digital cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, and e-cigarettes.
Lithium Primary
Lithium primary batteries are non-rechargeable and can be found in devices such as cameras, smoke detectors, and remote controls. They often resemble single-use alkaline batteries but require more caution in handling and preparation for recycling.
When preparing lithium primary batteries for recycling, always cover the electrical connections or battery terminals with a non-conductive tape (electrical or vinyl) or seal individual batteries in separate plastic bags so they cannot conduct electricity. This helps eliminate potential fire or explosion hazards when batteries are collected in a bulk container.
If your batteries appear damaged, contact the battery or device manufacturer for handling information. Prior to transporting batteries to an outlet offering recycling, please contact the entity to confirm they accept your specific type of battery, as well as to inquire about any fees associated with the service.
Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon
Alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries are extremely common and are used in everyday items such as remote controls, flashlights, and children’s toys. Common sizes include AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-Volt. Recent laws have restricted the use of mercury in the manufacturing process of alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries. Therefore, they are no longer considered hazardous and may be disposed of in your normal household trash.
Lithium Button
Lithium button batteries are button cells used primarily in cameras, hearing aids, watches, and key fobs. Lithium is a highly reactive metal and when collected with other button cells may present a hazard if not fully discharged. Lithium button cells do not contain mercury.
Silver Oxide
Silver oxide batteries are button cells commonly used in watches, toys, and calculators. Most jewelry stores will recycle the silver oxide battery when you bring your watch in to have the battery replaced.
Zinc-Air
Zinc-air batteries are button cells used primarily for hearing aids.
Recycling Opportunities
Depending on chemistry and type, batteries may be accepted at one of Pennsylvania's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program events. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program webpage contains a complete list of these collection events. Retail collection points may include Batteries Plus, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Staples. Other potential outlets/resources include the following:
Disclaimer: This section is for informational purposes only. PA DEP does not endorse any of these entities or their services.
Additional Information
Other useful household battery recycling information can be found via the following links:
Used Household Batteries (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
What Can I Recycle? (Call2Recycle)How to Recycle Single-Use Batteries (Earth911)
How to Recycle Rechargeable Batteries (Earth911)
Safe Battery Disposal (Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority
If you have specific questions regarding household battery recycling, please contact us at ra-eprecyclepa@pa.gov.