All batteries are not equal. Some go in regular trash, some are illegal in landfills, and one type can start fires in your dumpster. Here’s the breakdown.
Battery types and disposal rules
Alkaline batteries (single-use AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)
Generally acceptable in regular trash and dumpsters in most states. Major exception: California requires all batteries to be recycled. A few cities have stricter local rules.
See real prices in your area Skip the averages — get a real quote from a verified hauler Get free quote →Best practice: tape the terminals with electrical tape before disposal to prevent short-circuits. Bag separately from other materials. Some retailers accept alkaline batteries for recycling even where not required.
Rechargeable batteries (NiMH, NiCd, lithium-ion, lead-acid)
Universally prohibited from regular trash and dumpsters. These contain heavy metals and pose significant fire risk during compaction. Must go through battery recycling programs.
Rechargeable types include: phone batteries, laptop batteries, power tool batteries, e-bike and e-scooter batteries, hybrid and EV batteries, drone batteries, rechargeable household batteries.
Button/coin cell batteries
Universally prohibited from regular trash. These small batteries (in watches, hearing aids, key fobs, calculators) contain mercury, silver, lithium, or other heavy metals. Must be recycled.
Car/marine/motorcycle batteries (lead-acid)
Universally prohibited from trash and dumpsters. Lead-acid batteries are highly recyclable (95%+ of components reclaimed), and their disposal is regulated by every state.
Bonus: most retailers offer rebates ($5-$15) when you turn in old car batteries with the purchase of a new one.
The lithium-ion fire problem
Lithium-ion batteries — found in phones, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools, and most modern electronics — present a unique disposal hazard.
When lithium-ion batteries are damaged or short-circuited, they can experience “thermal runaway” — an exothermic chemical reaction that produces extreme heat and can ignite. This has caused major fires in:
- Garbage trucks (when crushed during compaction)
- Recycling facilities (sorting equipment damages the batteries)
- Landfills (random damage during disposal)
- Dumpsters (mixed with other debris that creates pressure points)
These fires are extremely hard to extinguish — water doesn’t work, and lithium fires can re-ignite hours after appearing extinguished. The result: the waste industry treats lithium-ion batteries as serious hazards.
Practical guidance: never put lithium-ion batteries in any trash or dumpster. Use proper disposal channels even for tiny batteries — phone batteries, drone batteries, power tool batteries.
Where to dispose of each battery type
Alkaline batteries
- Regular trash in most states (tape terminals first)
- Best Buy bins (free recycling)
- Some Home Depot and Lowe’s locations
- California: all batteries must be recycled
Rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, NiMH, NiCd)
- Best Buy in-store bins (free)
- Home Depot and Lowe’s tool battery drop-off
- Call2Recycle drop-off locations (search call2recycle.org)
- Staples (some locations)
- Municipal HHW programs
Button/coin cell batteries
- Best Buy bins
- Hearing aid retailers (often offer free recycling)
- Watch repair shops
- Call2Recycle locations
Car/marine/motorcycle batteries
- Auto parts stores (AutoZone, NAPA, O’Reilly): free with rebate
- Walmart Auto Care
- Scrap metal recyclers (often pay for car batteries)
- Mechanic shops (sometimes accept old batteries)
Power tool batteries (cordless drill, impact driver, etc.)
- Home Depot and Lowe’s accept any brand
- Manufacturer take-back (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita)
- Call2Recycle drop-off
E-bike, e-scooter, and EV batteries
Larger lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles require specific handling beyond standard battery recycling:
- E-bike and e-scooter batteries: Best Buy accepts most. Specialty bike shops often have take-back programs.
- EV batteries: handled by the dealership or specialty EV recyclers. Don’t attempt DIY disposal.
- Damaged batteries: contact the manufacturer or a hazmat-certified disposal service. Damaged lithium-ion batteries are a serious fire risk and shouldn’t be transported in normal vehicles.
If you have a damaged or visibly compromised lithium-ion battery, store it in a metal container with sand or kitty litter (suppresses fire risk) until you can arrange specialty disposal.
Battery disposal during garage cleanouts
Garage cleanouts often turn up surprising quantities of batteries:
- Old car batteries (from past vehicles, marine equipment)
- Cordless tool batteries (often non-functional after years of storage)
- Random alkaline batteries (test strips, partial packages)
- RV and marine batteries
- Lawn equipment batteries (mowers, leaf blowers)
Strategy: collect all batteries during the cleanout sort phase. Make a single trip to consolidate disposal — auto parts store for car batteries, Best Buy or Home Depot for everything else. Most batteries can be dropped off in the same trip.
Stop guessing on price Get a written quote from a verified local hauler Get free quote →What happens if you put batteries in a dumpster
Alkaline batteries:
Usually no consequences in non-California states. Best practice still applies (tape terminals).
Rechargeable batteries:
Per-item fee from the hauler ($5-$25 each) plus liability for any fires caused. Some haulers refuse pickup if rechargeable batteries are visible.
Car batteries:
Significant per-item fees ($25-$75 each). Some haulers won’t accept them at all. Always remove before disposal.
Damaged lithium-ion batteries:
If a fire occurs in the dumpster, you may be liable for damages — to the dumpster, the truck, the landfill, and any injuries. The cost of disposal alternatives ($0 at Best Buy) is dramatically lower than potential fire liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put alkaline batteries in the trash?
In most states, yes (tape terminals first). California requires all batteries to be recycled. Some cities have additional rules. Best Buy accepts alkaline batteries for free recycling everywhere.
Where can I dispose of lithium-ion batteries?
Best Buy in-store bins (free), Home Depot and Lowe’s tool battery drop-off, Call2Recycle locations, Staples (some locations). Never put lithium-ion in regular trash or dumpsters.
Where can I dispose of a car battery?
Auto parts stores (AutoZone, NAPA, O’Reilly) accept old car batteries for free, often with a $5-$15 rebate. Walmart Auto Care and scrap metal recyclers also accept them.
What’s the fire risk from lithium-ion batteries?
Damaged or crushed lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway and ignite. Fires have occurred in trash trucks, recycling facilities, and landfills. Always use proper disposal channels even for small batteries.
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