Lithium-ion batteries are common in phones, tools, toys, laptops, e-bikes, and many rechargeable household items. When these batteries are placed in recycling or waste containers, they can be crushed or damaged during collection and processing, creating a serious fire and safety risk.
Help protect collection crews, drivers, facilities, and your community by keeping batteries out of recycling carts, dumpsters, and residential dropoff bins. Use an approved battery recycling or disposal option instead, and check local guidance for safe handling before dropping batteries off.
Do not place loose batteries, rechargeable battery packs, lithium-ion batteries, or battery-powered devices in recycling containers. Even a small damaged battery can create heat, smoke, sparks, or fire inside equipment.
Store batteries safely and take them to an approved battery collection or recycling location. If a device has a non-removable battery, look for electronics or battery recycling guidance before disposal.
Battery safety is a community effort. Reminding employees, customers, neighbors, and family members to keep batteries out of bins helps reduce preventable fires across the recycling and waste system.
