Used Lithium-Ion Batteries | US EPA

Used Lithium-Ion Batteries | US EPA

Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should NOT be disposed of in household garbage or recycling bins.

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Lithium-ion batteries SHOULD be taken to designated recycling or household hazardous waste collection sites.

To mitigate fire risks, tape over battery terminals and/or place lithium-ion batteries in separate plastic bags.

On this page:

General Information

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power a variety of products such as electronics, toys, wireless headphones, handheld power tools, appliances, electric vehicles, and electrical energy storage systems. If not managed properly at the end of their life cycle, they can pose significant risks to human health and the environment.

The rising demand for Li-ion batteries is primarily due to their high energy density, which refers to the amount of energy a system stores in a specific volume. Lithium batteries are generally smaller and lighter than other battery types while maintaining comparable energy levels. This miniaturization has led to increased consumer adoption of portable and cordless devices.

Information for Consumers

Consumers in the U.S. utilize two types of lithium batteries that require appropriate end-of-life management: single-use, non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries and rechargeable lithium-polymer cells (Li-ion).

Li-ion batteries consist of critical minerals, including cobalt, graphite, and lithium. These minerals are economically and strategically important for the U.S. and pose a risk of supply disruption. Disposing of these batteries in trash leads to the loss of these valuable resources. For more information on critical minerals, visit the U.S. Geological Survey website.

Furthermore, if a battery or the device containing it is discarded in the trash or mixed with recyclables such as plastic, paper, or glass, it may get damaged during transport or sorting, creating a fire hazard.

Li-ion batteries, as well as those in electronic devices, should be sent to certified battery electronics recyclers instead of being thrown away or put into municipal recycling bins.

Single-use, Non-rechargeable Batteries

• Composed of lithium metal, commonly found in products like cameras, watches, remote controls, handheld games, and smoke detectors.
• These batteries may resemble standard alkaline battery sizes but can also come in specialized forms (e.g., button cells). Look for the word lithium on the battery for identification.

Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer Cells

• Often found in devices such as cellphones, power tools, digital cameras, laptops, children's toys, e-cigarettes, and tablets.
• Some Li-ion batteries can be easily removed from their devices, while others cannot.

Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal for Consumers

The EPA recommends finding a recycling location for Li-ion batteries and devices containing them using the suggested links; do not discard them in the trash or municipal recycling bins.

For electronics containing Li-ion batteries: Send these devices to certified electronics recyclers, participating retailers, or contact your local waste management program for more options.

For easily separable Li-ion batteries (e.g., power tools): Locate a nearby recycling facility for the proper disposal of Li-ion batteries. Individual batteries can be sent to specialized recyclers or participating retailers associated with takeback services.

To find a recycler, check out resources like the Earth 911 database and Call2Recycle.

Handling precautions: Place each battery or device in a separate plastic bag. Use non-conductive tape (e.g., electrical tape) to cover battery terminals. If a Li-ion battery is damaged, contact the manufacturer for specific handling instructions. Even used batteries can still hold enough energy to cause injury or start fires. Always adhere to battery and product safety markings.

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Medium and Large-Scale Li-ion Battery Disposal

The EPA advises contacting the manufacturer, automobile dealership, or the company that installed the Li-ion battery for disposal options; do not discard in the trash or recycling bins.

Due to their size and complexity, medium and large-scale Li-ion batteries may not be removable by consumers. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions and heed safety warnings.

• For automobiles: Contact the dealership, shop, or salvage yard where purchased.
• For energy storage: Reach out to the equipment manufacturer or installation company.

Avoid the Spark. Be Battery Safety Smart. Campaign

In light of increasing fires at recycling and waste facilities, various industry groups have collaborated to launch the Avoid the Spark. Be Battery Safety Smart. campaign. This initiative aims to educate American consumers on battery safety and proper management of used Li-ion batteries. The main message emphasizes the importance of recycling batteries when they reach the end of their life cycle. For further details, visit Call2Recycle's website.

U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Check the Box Campaign

The DOT's Check the Box campaign raises public awareness about everyday items considered hazardous materials in transportation, including batteries that are shipped for recycling or disposal. Proper identification, packaging, and labeling are crucial before sending batteries for recycling or disposal. Learn more about this campaign by checking the DOT's Check the Box campaign and watch the campaign video.

Information for Businesses

Most lithium-ion batteries available likely qualify as hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Typically, discarded Li-ion batteries are considered ignitable and reactive hazardous wastes (D001 and D003 waste codes). While households generally do not fall under these regulations, commercial entities must determine if their waste, including end-of-life Li-ion batteries, is hazardous.

Li-ion batteries can appear nearly indistinguishable yet have different properties based on their chemical composition. Some discarded Li-ion batteries may retain a significant charge and be hazardous, even if they seem discharged. The EPA recommends businesses manage Li-ion batteries under the universal waste regulations outlined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 273.

The universal waste regulations provide a streamlined framework for various common hazardous wastes (e.g., batteries, fluorescent lamps). Requirements differ based on whether over or under 5,000 kg of total universal wastes are on-site, including waste management, labeling guidelines, accumulation duration, and disposal locations. International shipments of Li-ion batteries as universal waste must comply with RCRA's requirements for export and import.

The proposal for Universal Waste Solar Panel and Lithium Battery Regulations aims to enhance recycling efficiency and end-of-life management for both lithium batteries and solar panels. EPA is developing new proposals to include solar panels under universal waste regulations and establish specific standards for lithium batteries.

Information for Workers

The Department of Labor's OSHA released a Safety and Health Information Bulletin regarding fire and explosion hazards linked to small and wearable lithium battery-powered devices. This bulletin serves as an advisory tool to enhance worker awareness and assist employers in creating a safe work environment.

Information for Transporters

DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations

Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials and must comply with DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180), including packaging standards and hazard communication protocols (e.g., labeling, shipping documents, emergency response information), as well as hazmat employee training. Specific requirements for lithium batteries are detailed in 49 CFR section 173.185.

DOT Safety Advisory Notice for Disposal and Recycling of Lithium Batteries in Commercial Transportation

In May, DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a Safety Advisory Notice concerning lithium battery disposal and recycling in commercial transport. This advisory highlights necessary regulatory information for shipping lithium batteries for recycling and disposal, discusses dangers associated with shipping, and offers guidelines for consumers and shippers.

DOT Guidance for Damaged, Defective, or Recalled (DDR) Lithium Ion Batteries

DDR lithium batteries, which may be misused or defective, pose a higher risk of fire during transport compared to non-DDR batteries. However, identifying these batteries can be challenging. This guidance aims to assist with identifying DDR lithium batteries and proper shipping practices.

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