Batteries

Phones, laptops, tools, toys, and more run on batteries. But when tossed in the trash or recycling bin, these batteries can spark intense fires that are nearly impossible to stop. This harms the environment, people, and property.

Placing any battery in curbside recycling is dangerous. Batteries can be recycled or properly disposed of in other ways. Details and a quick reference chart are below.

Before you discard a battery, please look at it closely to determine what type of battery it is. The US EPA offers guidance on the types of household batteries.

Educational Campaigns

Our public agency has an informational flyer about the proper disposal of lithium batteries.

Call2Recycle asks that you Avoid the Spark. Be Battery Safety Smart. 

Woodsy Owl has returned to lead a national recycling and battery safety PSA campaign. The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and U.S. Forest Service recently announced their partnership for a campaign focused on safe battery recovery and responsible recycling. Learn more.

Do you have questions about batteries? Contact the Solid Waste District for more information or additional disposal options. Call (216) 443-3749 or send an email.

Alkaline Batteries

Do not place alkaline batteries in curbside recycling.

Also known as primary or single-use batteries, alkalines are not hazardous and can be disposed of in the regular trash once they wear out. These batteries are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste.

Alkaline, silver oxide, zinc-air, zinc-carbon, and zinc-chloride - commonly known as AA, AAA, 9V, and D - are all types of primary batteries. 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, recycling options may be available through BatteriesPlus, Battery Empire, Staples stores, and The Battery Network (fka. Call2Recycle). Terracycle also offers a battery collection program.

Rechargeable Batteries

Do not place lithium-ion or rechargeable batteries in curbside recycling or trash. This can cause a fire.

Rechargeable batteries (Lithium, Li-ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-Mh) can be recycled at local retail stores, including BatteriesPlus, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Staples. BatteriesPlus, with stores in Akron, Canton, Macedonia, Mayfield Heights, and Parma, accepts and recycles many types of rechargeable batteries. The retailer may also accept non-hazardous alkaline batteries and hearing aid batteries for a small fee. Check with your local store. Terracycle also offers a battery collection program.

Find a drop-off location near you.

Safely prepare your rechargeable batteries for recycling. There are two options: Bag or tape.

• Option A: Bag each battery individually in a clear plastic bag before placing it in a storage container.
• Option B: Tape the terminals with clear packing, or non-conductive electrical or duct tape, keeping the label visible.

See more battery recycling tips from The Battery Network (fka. Call2Recycle).

Lead Acid Batteries

Do not place lead-acid batteries in curbside recycling or trash.

Lead-acid batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid and 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 cars, trucks, motorcycles, wheelchairs, boats, or other forms of motive power.

Automotive retailers, scrap metal yards, and vehicle repair shops accept and recycle lead-acid batteries. Find a location near you by searching with your zip code in the Yellow Pages.

E-Bike Batteries

E-bike cells are large lithium batteries and should not be placed in curbside recycling or trash. They can start fires when not managed properly.

PeopleForBikes and The Battery Network (fka. Call2Recycle) provide information about e-bike battery recycling.

BatteriesPlus stores in Akron, Canton, Macedonia, Mayfield Heights, and Parma will accept them for a per-pound fee. There are also drop boxes specifically for e-bike batteries located at bike shops in Cuyahoga County.

Electric Vehicle Batteries

Do not place EV batteries in curbside recycling or trash. They can start fires when not managed properly.

Greentec Auto in Broadview Heights accepts large solar and automotive rechargeable battery cells. Contact them for details about managing batteries from EVs.

Damaged Batteries

Do not place damaged batteries in curbside recycling or trash.

If you see a punctured, damaged, 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. Step-by-step details on managing damaged batteries can be viewed on wikiHow.

Contact BatteriesPlus, RET3 job corp., or The Battery Network (fka. Call2Recycle) to dispose of damaged batteries.

Waste from Businesses or Commercial Properties

Businesses can recycle all types of batteries through local specialized companies. See the Business Locations list below for options.

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Looking to recycle, donate, or dispose of other items? Use the dark blue 'What Do I Do With?' search bar at the top of every page of this website. Allow location services or use the city drop-down to find opportunities in your local area.