Never put batteries in a trash or recycling bin. Batteries have heavy metals and chemicals and can cause fires when not properly disposed of. Fires are regularly occurring in trash and recycling trucks, at material recovery facilities where recyclables go to be sorted, and at our Collection Centers. Help prevent these incidents by turning batteries in.

All batteries can cause a fire, but lithium and lithium-ion batteries are more likely. Lithium batteries power most of the rechargeable devices we use daily like cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, wireless headphones, smart home devices, tools, electric scooters, and bicycles.

When batteries are sent to a proper battery recycling company, they remove chemicals for reuse and properly dispose of the remaining parts. Not only does it keep these materials out of landfills, but recovering it provides a domestic source of these critical minerals and reduces the need to mine more.

Skip the Bin, Turn your Batteries In

Batteries of all types should be taken to a proper battery collection point. In Chatham County, there are several options for safe battery disposal.

If items with batteries are accepted in the Electronics Recycling program (like cell phones, tablets, and computers) those batteries do not need to be removed. For all other devices, batteries must be removed. Do not tape batteries before turning them in.

Preparing Batteries for Safe Disposal

There are many chemical types found in batteries throughout a home, including alkaline, lead-acid, lithium, lithium-ion, mercury, nickel, etc. It is important not to store old batteries together as different chemicals can mix with each other and cause a fire. Don't store old batteries for a long time.

Do not tape batteries before turning them in. There are specific taping and sorting instructions, which Chatham County staff will handle.

If items with batteries are accepted in the Electronics Recycling program (like cell phones, tablets, and computers) those batteries do not need to be removed. For all other devices, batteries must be removed.

Remove batteries from devices. Most devices are easy to remove batteries from, such as tools, remotes, smart home devices, robotic vacuums, etc.

Some items are more difficult to remove batteries from, like certain electric toothbrushes, hoverboards, etc. For those unable to remove a battery from a device, that device needs to be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste events.

Hot and Swollen Batteries

When batteries are hot or swollen, it is extremely dangerous and should not be ignored. Overheating is a sign of a battery not properly working. Swelling occurs because of a chemical reaction within the battery which is causing gas to try and escape.

Immediately stop using devices that are overheating. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials (like a concrete floor) or place them in a bucket with sand or kitty litter. Swollen items must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event, not the Collection Centers. 

Questions? Please contact the Main Office Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm at (919) 542-5516 or email anytime at recycle@chathamcountync.gov