Alkaline & Single-Use Batteries
In most communities, alkaline and zinc carbon batteries can be safely put in your household trash, per the EPA. They can also be recycled: The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle) now accepts single-use batteries at some of its public drop-off locations, but not all, use its official locator to confirm before a trip.
Curbside recycling?
No
Don't put loose batteries in the curbside recycling bin, only regular household trash (in most communities) or a battery drop-off point. Recycling-bin batteries are a fire risk in collection trucks and sorting facilities.
Safety note
Corroded or leaking alkaline batteries aren't considered damaged and can still be trashed or recycled normally, per The Battery Network. Lithium primary (non-rechargeable) batteries are more fire-prone: bag each one individually or tape the positive terminal before transport or drop-off.
How to prepare it
- For plain alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): no special prep needed for trash disposal in most communities
- For recycling instead: use The Battery Network's official locator first, only some of its 20,000+ sites accept single-use batteries, not all of them
- For lithium primary (non-rechargeable) batteries specifically: bag individually or tape the positive terminal before transport
Retailer & manufacturer take-back programs
- The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle)
A manufacturer-funded program collecting rechargeable batteries and cellphones for free at thousands of public drop-off points nationwide, including many retail stores. Call2Recycle completed its rebrand to The Battery Network; some collection sites and single-use (primary) battery acceptance vary by location.
Common fees
Free at participating Battery Network sites. A small fee may apply at some local household hazardous waste programs.
Quantity limits
Not confirmed
Residency restrictions
Vermont, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. have their own laws requiring free, universal single-use battery collection statewide/citywide. Elsewhere, free collection depends on the individual drop-off site.
Appointment required?
Not confirmed
Transporting it safely
Plain alkaline batteries need no special transport precautions. Tape the terminal on lithium primary batteries before transport.
Nearby locations
No locations yet for this item
Our facility coverage is still expanding beyond Los Angeles and Houston. Check the retailer/manufacturer programs above, or your city's official page.
Related items
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I recycle alkaline & single-use batteries?
- In most communities, alkaline and zinc carbon batteries can be safely put in your household trash, per the EPA. They can also be recycled: The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle) now accepts single-use batteries at some of its public drop-off locations, but not all, use its official locator to confirm before a trip.
- Can alkaline & single-use batteries go in curbside recycling?
- Don't put loose batteries in the curbside recycling bin, only regular household trash (in most communities) or a battery drop-off point. Recycling-bin batteries are a fire risk in collection trucks and sorting facilities.
- Is there a safety concern with alkaline & single-use batteries?
- Corroded or leaking alkaline batteries aren't considered damaged and can still be trashed or recycled normally, per The Battery Network. Lithium primary (non-rechargeable) batteries are more fire-prone: bag each one individually or tape the positive terminal before transport or drop-off.
Sources
Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.
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