To dispose of batteries safely, follow these guidelines:
- For small lithium-ion batteries (such as those in phones, laptops, and cameras), remove the battery from the device, cover the battery contacts with plastic or insulating tape to prevent short circuits, and take the battery to a store that accepts battery recycling or industrial waste disposal (such as electronics stores or home centers). Never put lithium-ion batteries in regular trash as they can cause fires.
- For damaged or leaking batteries, place them in a clear plastic bag and take them to a designated recycling center or household hazardous waste collection event. Do not put damaged batteries in regular trash or recycling bins.
- Alkaline, lantern, and some other single-use batteries may often be disposed of in regular trash, but it is better to check local guidelines. Some places allow these batteries to be recycled as well.
- Many retailers, supermarkets, and community recycling centers offer battery take-back programs for recycling used batteries. Check with local stores or recycling centers for available options.
- Tape the terminals of batteries (especially lithium-ion) to avoid fire risks during transit and handling.
- If the battery is built into a device and cannot be removed, recycle the entire device at an appropriate electronics recycling center or retailer.
In summary, never throw lithium-ion or damaged batteries in regular trash due to safety and environmental risks. Instead, recycle them through designated collection points with taped terminals. Other batteries may have specific disposal rules, so check local regulations for the safest option.
