Where can I dispose a lithium-ion battery?

REMEMBER - Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins! Read on to find the best way to dispose of your lithium-ion batteries. 

Proper household lithium battery disposal is crucial to prevent fires. You must never put them in household trash or recycling bins. Instead, take them to a designated collection site, such as your county’s local household hazardous collection center or electronics retailer. Before transporting, tape the terminals or place each battery in a separate plastic bag to prevent short circuits and potential fires. 

Why proper disposal is essential:

Lithium-ion batteries can easily catch fire or explode if damaged, which can happen in garbage trucks or at landfills. Improper disposal can lead to environmental harm from the hazardous components in the batteries. 

Where to find a collection site:

Clay County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center (No commercial waste accepted)

3545 Rosemary Hill Road

Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Open 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday

Clay County residents only (I.D required)

Many electronics retailers (like Best Buy), hardware stores (like Home Depot), and battery stores (like Batteries Plus) have collection programs. 

 

How to safely prepare batteries for dropoff:

Protect Terminals: Cover the exposed terminals with non-metallic tape (like duct tape).

Use Separate Bags: For multiple batteries, place each one in a separate plastic bag.

Keep Devices Intact: If the battery is still in a device, try to remove it if possible, then place the device with the battery into a protective plastic bag.

EV batteries (electric vehicles) are not accepted through the Clay County Household Hazardous Waste Program. EV battery disposal involves returning the battery through a manufacturer take-back program, taking it to a certified recycling facility, or working with specialized third-party recycling services. EV battery disposal presents problems, including complex, varied battery chemistries and designs that hinder efficient recycling; the high cost and complexity of disassembly; the flammability and toxicity of battery components that pose safety and environmental risks; a lack of sufficient recycling infrastructure and skilled labor to handle growing battery volumes; and market volatility for recycled materials, which reduces economic incentives for recyclers.