Do not place batteries of any kind in curbside recycling.

Placing batteries in curbside recycling is hazardous and dangerous. They can be recycled or properly disposed of in other ways.

Primary/single-use alkaline batteries are not hazardous and can be disposed of in the regular trash once they wear out. 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.

Alkaline, 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. See the Call2Recycle battery chart for details.

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 Lithium/Li-ion batteries. Search with your zip code to find a location near you.

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. The retailer may also accept non-hazardous alkaline batteries and hearing aid batteries for a small fee. Check with your local store. See details.

Be sure to safely prepare your rechargeable batteries for recycling. There are two options: Bag or tape. Option A: Bag each battery in its own clear plastic bag before placing it in a storage container. Option B: Tape the terminals with clear packing, non-conductive electrical or duct tape, keeping the label visible. See more battery recycling tips from Call2Recycle.

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 backups.

Lithum and 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 retailers 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.

5 Tips For Safe and Easy Battery Recycling from Call2Recycle

1. Safety first! Be sure to safely prep your batteries. There are two options: bag or tape. Option A: Bag each battery in its own clear plastic bag before placing it in a storage container. Option B: you can tape the terminals with clear packing, non-conductive electrical or duct tape, keeping label visible.
2. Stay cool. Store the batteries in a cool, dry place. Incidents can occur when batteries (or the devices they power such as a cellphone or tablet) are exposed to inclement or excessively hot weather. Store them in a plastic container; avoid metal.
3. Possible damage? If you see a swollen or bulging battery, immediately put it in a non-flammable material such as sand or kitty litter in a cool, dry place. DO NOT THROW AWAY. Contact Call2Recycle customer service at 1-877-723-1297, the manufacturer or retailer immediately for instructions, especially if the label says it is Lithium or Lithium-Ion.
4. Timing is everything. Aim to drop batteries to recycle within six months, ensuring they are bagged or taped. You can use a locator to find the nearest drop-off site.
5. Spread the word. As we all use batteries to power our world, share the knowledge about battery recycling. It’s the right thing to do and helps keep batteries out of landfills!

Are you a business? Businesses can recycle their rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries through local specialized companies. See our Business Recycling Directory.