Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

How to responsibly recycle old and unused batteries

If you’re planning on doing any kind of spring cleaning this year, odds are pretty good that you’ll stumble upon a box full of old, dead batteries that you’ve been meaning to take care of responsibly. Maybe you haven’t been quite sure where or how to drop them off, or maybe you just haven’t had the time to get around to it. Either way, the process is pretty straightforward, and we’re going to run you through it. 

Why do batteries die?

It’s helpful to start by looking at how batteries work. When a battery is charged, it pulls electrons to one side of the battery. A barrier prevents those electrons from easily getting to the other side, despite the attraction. However, completing a circuit (i.e., connecting the battery to a device you want powered) provides a path through which those electrons can flow. That current is electricity. When the battery is charged again, it pulls those electrons through the barrier separating the two halves of the battery. 

Recommended Videos

This entire system hinges on having a stable medium that electrons can be stored in. Many of our devices use lithium as that medium on the positively charged anode side. Graphite (and sometimes graphene) is used on the negatively charged cathode end. These mediums start to degrade as electrons are pulled out of and pushed into each side every cycle. Even the separator can lose its efficiency. The end result is a gradually decreasing ability for these batteries to hold a charge as the mediums for holding electrons become more and more irregular. 

What leaks out of batteries?

If you’ve been hoarding your dead batteries for awhile, you might have seen some residue leaking from them. When the chemical components of a battery degrade, they create gas. This adds pressure inside a battery, making them sometimes look like a spicy pillow. Once the seal on the battery is broken, that pressure can sometimes force some the battery’s liquid electrolyte to escape. It doesn’t take long for that electrolyte to react with the air and turn into a salt. That salt is chemically stable, but like the liquid electrolyte, is an irritant. If you see that powdery residue, make sure to use gloves while handling it.  

Are dead batteries dangerous?

Yes, dead batteries can be dangerous. A battery’s whole job is to store potential energy. If their means of containment is compromised, they can release all that chemical energy at once in a totally uncontrolled way, better known as an explosion. Even before getting to that point, the chemicals inside of a battery are rather caustic, potentially damaging whatever’s around them when they leak. In order to minimize danger, you’ll want to dispose of your dead batteries sooner than later. When storing them, put tape over contacts of each battery to prevent an accidental circuit from forming. 

Several batteries stacked up, side by side.
Borys Shevchuk / 123RF

What kind of batteries are recyclable?

Most batteries can be recycled, but with varying levels of efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries are hard to recycle as their technology is evolving rapidly. As a result, the materials available to extract can vary, as can their value. On top of the engineering challenges this poses, it also makes it hard for recycling facilities to justify economically. Our recycling capabilities need to ramp up quickly to meet the rising tide of dying lithium-ion batteries despite these hurdles.

Other battery types have well-established track records for recycling, however. The big lead acid batteries you’ll see in cars and solar storage are over 90% recyclable.  

How are batteries recycled?

Batteries are typically recycled in the same way most electronics are: They’re shredded, sorted, treated in solvents, then smelted. This process, particularly the smelting part, can have its own significant environmental impact.   

How should I prepare my batteries for recycling?

To start, it’s good to tape over the contacts of your batteries to prevent any accidental circuits. The next most important thing is sorting. Make sure your lithium ion batteries are separate from your alkaline and other types of batteries. Once that’s done, you’ll want to double-check with your drop-off point to see which of those types they accept. Making sure they’re clearly labeled can ensure they’ll be properly processed. 

How to responsibly recycle old and unused batteries in your state

Finding specific drop-off points varies by location. We’re going to break down some of the best drop-off locations in several states across the U.S. The easiest way to find a battery recycling drop-off point is using a locator like Call2Recycle. They also offer a mail-in option, which can be handy if you’re a long ways from a drop-off. 

How to responsibly recycle old and unused batteries in California

These are some of the top-rated battery recycling locations in California. 

How to responsibly recycle old and unused batteries in Texas

If you’re looking to recycle batteries in Texas, these are the best places to go. 

How to responsibly recycle old and unused batteries in Florida

For those in Florida, these are the perfect battery drop-offs.

How to responsibly recycle old and unused batteries in New York

There are loads of battery recycling options in New York, but these are some of the best. 

Topics
Simon Sage
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Simon Sage is a green tech contributor at Digital Trends. He looks at all sorts of devices that can help reduce emissions…
Earth Day with Reolink: Protecting nature, one camera at a time
earth day with reolink protecting nature one camera at a time hero crop

This Earth Day, Reolink is celebrating the incredible intersection of technology and conservation. With help from environmentally conscious users and dedicated NGO partners, Reolink is proving that small actions, powered by smart outdoor technology, can lead to a big impact for our planet's wildlife and natural landscapes.
Smarter, Greener Outdoor Monitoring
Reolink's lineup of outdoor cameras, including the Go PT Ultra, Go Ranger PT, and TrackMix LTE, do more than safeguard homes. They empower nature lovers to connect with the wild while treading lightly on the environment.

Each camera is engineered for sustainability and performance. Solar power compatibility keeps them running without contributing to battery waste. Their rugged, waterproof designs ensure they survive the toughest outdoor elements. And with stunning 4K 8MP ultra-clear footage, they capture the beauty of wildlife — from the shimmer of a bird's wings to the subtle prowling of a fox at dusk — without disturbing natural behavior.

Read more
Roku expands smart home lineup with two upcoming security cameras
The Roku Battery Camera on a tree

Roku might be known for its streaming sticks and smart TVs, but the brand also has a strong presence in the smart home market. From video doorbells and smart lights to plugs and motion sensors, Roku’s smart home catalog is surprisingly robust. The catalog is set to expand in the coming months, as Roku has officially revealed two upcoming security cameras -- the Roku Battery Camera and Roku Battery Camera Plus.

The Roku Battery Camera Plus is the most enticing of the two, as it can get up to two years of battery life on a single charge (the Battery Camera gets up to six months). They can also be combined with an optional solar panel to extend their battery life. Beyond that, most specs are shared -- including 1080p resolutions, color night vision, and the option to receive motion alerts when activity is detected around your home.

Read more
Aqara releases new Matter hub, security system, and climate sensor
The Aqara Matter Hub

Aqara has been busy as of late. The company announced Matter support for 50 new device types earlier this month, and now it’s launching three new products -- the Aqara M100 Hub, Climate Sensor W100, and Camera Protect Kit Y100. All three are now available for purchase.

If you’re interested in syncing all your smart devices together, the Aqara Smart Hub M100 is bound to be the most exciting of the bunch. The next-gen smart hub is designed for seamless Matter compatibility, allowing you to set up complex automations between Aqara products and Matter-enabled products from other platforms.

Read more