For household disposal, take used lithium-ion batteries to a separate battery-recycling or household hazardous-waste collection point. Keep both the batteries and devices containing them out of household trash and curbside recycling. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains this distinction in its lithium-ion battery guidance[1]: batteries can cause fires during transport or at waste facilities.
A recycling symbol does not make a battery suitable for the curbside bin. The chasing arrows with Li-ion beneath them refer to specialized battery recycling. To identify the chemistry, check the battery case, product markings or instruction manual.
A swollen battery needs specific instructions
Swelling indicates damage and a potential fire hazard. If there appears to be no imminent threat of fire, contact the product manufacturer, the retailer that sold it or your local household hazardous-waste program for directions on managing it.
If you believe a fire is imminent, EPA says you may need to call 911. Routine preparation for collection is not a substitute for guidance on a swollen battery.
Isolate the terminals before collection
For batteries being prepared for recycling, EPA recommends covering the terminals, or connections, with nonconductive tape. Electrical tape is preferred. Alternatively, place each battery in its own plastic bag. Isolating the terminals prevents contact with other batteries or metal that can cause a fire.
For an undamaged battery that is not in use, EPA recommends room-temperature storage. Refrigeration is unnecessary. Avoid prolonged extreme heat or cold, including a car dashboard in direct sunlight, because those conditions can damage the battery.
