Batteries (Lithium-Ion)
What Should I Do With It?
Lithium-ion batteries power many of our everyday devices, including cell phones, laptops, wireless headphones, e-cigarettes, and cordless power tools. Despite their convenience, these rechargeable batteries pose a severe safety hazard because they are highly sensitive to pressure and can easily explode or catch fire when crushed inside garbage trucks and recycling plants. To prevent dangerous facility fires and keep sanitation workers safe, never toss these batteries or their electronic devices into standard curbside bins. Instead, tape the battery terminals and drop them off at a local hazardous waste center or a participating retail collection kiosk.
Safety First
This item contains chemicals, heavy metals, or batteries that can be dangerous. Throwing it in your regular trash can cause fires, hurt sanitation workers, or leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.