You always hear about how you need to recycle batteries and that just throwing them away can be bad for the environment. That is why we put together a guide on how to properly dispose of batteries and which batteries you can and can’t throw away.  

 

Step 1: Identify the type of battery you are looking to dispose of 

Identifying the type of battery you are looking to dispose of is crucial. No matter the battery, there should be proper labeling showing you what type of battery it is. If you are unsure, most AI engines can  help identify the battery if you take a photo and upload it into an AI tool. However, you should always confirm the battery type before deciding how to dispose of it. 

 

2. Decide whether the battery can be thrown away or needs to be recycled 

In the U.S., batteries that are generally okay to put in the trash are single-use alkaline batteries such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V alkaline batteries. However, battery disposal requirements can vary by state, so always check your local guidelines first. At TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK, we prioritize eco-friendly disposal and encourage you to recycle these batteries whenever possible (more to come on that in a second). 

Batteries you should not throw away include Lithium batteries, rechargeable batteries, button/coin cell batteries, lead-acid batteries like car batteries, and most power tool batteries. These types can become damaged and create a fire risk. 

 

3. Determine where you can recycle your batteries 

This can depend on which state you're in and your local municipality. There are a few places we recommend checking out or calling to see if you can recycle your batteries,  including: 

  • Your local government recycling center 
  • Local county recycling center directories 
  • Asking local Facebook community groups 
  • Local auto parts shops for old car batteries 
  • Looking up local battery drop-off sites through Call2recycle.org 
  • Retail shops like Home Depot and Best Buy, which can accept many rechargeable batteries 
  • Junk removal companies for bulk battery removal 

These are some of the best places to find out where you can take your old batteries.  

 

4. Easily drop off your battery 

Once you have conducted proper research, it is time to drop off your old batteries. Taking a few extra steps to properly dispose of or recycle batteries can help keep potentially harmful materials out of landfills and protect the environment. 

If you have batteries as part of a larger cleanout, contact your local TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK to see what items they can accept and how they can help. 

Best of luck in taking care of the environment with properly disposing of your old batteries!