Do not place batteries of any kind in curbside recycling.
Batteries Plus Bulbs retail stores will accept and recycle many types of rechargeable batteries. Locally, stores are located in Macedonia, Mayfield Heights, North Olmsted, Parma and Strongsville. A small fee may apply for alkaline batteries and hearing aid batteries. See details.
Are you a business? Businesses can recycle their rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries through local specialized companies. See our Business Recycling Directory.
Primary/single-use alkaline batteries can be disposed of in the regular trash once they wear out. Alkaline, lithium, silver oxide, zinc-air, zinc-carbon, and zinc-chloride, commonly known as AA, AAA, 9V, D-cell, and button cell are all types of primary batteries. They are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste. Alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals (steel, zinc and manganese) and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal.
If you prefer not to throw your alkaline batteries in the regular trash, you can purchase a battery collection box from Call2Recycle. We are not aware of any free recycling options for alkaline batteries.
Primary/single-use batteries are most commonly used in lowdrain devices, such as flashlights, clocks, watches, remote controls and smoke detectors.
Rechargeable batteries can be recycled for free through local Call2Recycle drop boxes, found in retail stores such as the Apple Store, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's Home Improvement, Sears Hardware, tool repair shops and local hardware stores. The drop boxes accept Ni-MH, Ni-Cd and Li-ion batteries. Search with your zip code to find a location near you.
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) and Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries can typically be found in cordless power tools, digital cameras, two-way radios and cordless phones.
Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA/Pb) can typically be found in emergency devices, emergency exit signs, security systems, mobility scooters and UPS back-ups.
Lithium ion (Li-ion) can typically be found in cell phones, laptops, two-way radios and cordless power tools.
Lead acid batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid and are used as a source of power. They are mainly used in vehicles. Ohio law prohibits the disposal of lead acid batteries in landfills. The law also requires wholesalers and retailers of lead acid batteries to take your old battery for recycling when you buy a new one. Batteries that are covered by the law include batteries used in vehicles, motorcycles, wheelchairs, boats or other forms of motive power.
Local businesses that accept and recycle lead acid batteries include A-1 Battery Shop (216/861-6001), Bulldog Battery (440/942-2555) and other vehicle repair shops. Scrap metal yards, car mechanics and retailers like NTB, AutoZone and Conrad's also accept vehicle batteries for recycling. Find a location near you by searching with your zip code in the Yellow Pages.