How to Recycle and Dispose of Lithium-Ion Batteries in the US

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops, as an example, to electric vehicles (EVs) and power tools. However, their improper disposal has significant environmental and hazard implications. In the United States, it's crucial to dispose of Li-ion batteries responsibly to prevent hazards and promote recycling.

Knowing the Dangers of Improper Disposal

Li-ion batteries contain poisonous substances such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The chemicals have a tendency to leak into the environment and contaminate the soil and water when improperly disposed of and mishandled. They can also catch fire or explode when overheated or subjected to physical abuse, posing serious safety threats during transportation or in the dumpsite.

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Legal Requirements for Disposal

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees most discarded Li-ion batteries as hazardous waste because they are deemed to be ignitable and reactive. Thus, they cannot be placed in the trash or curbside recycling bins. They must be taken to their own recycling or household hazardous waste drop-off centers.

Many states and cities have enacted laws mandating recycling of rechargeable batteries, including Li-ion batteries. Retailers in some areas are also obligated to accept equivalent used batteries to allow for easy consumer recycling.

Safe Handling and Transportation

Before shipping Li-ion batteries to recycling plants, they must be handled safely:

• Cover Terminals: Cover battery terminals with non-conductive tape (e.g., electrical tape).
• Individual Batteries: Store every battery in a separate plastic bag to prevent contact with other metallic objects.
• Don't Damage: Do not ship damaged or swollen batteries; contact the manufacturer for special disposal processes.

When shipping batteries, comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which may include using special packaging and labeling processes.

Recycling Procedures in the United States

There are several simple ways to recycle lithium-ion batteries across the country:

• Retail Drop-Off Programs: The majority of retailers have collection stations for batteries that consumers can return used batteries to be recycled.
• Mail-In Recycling Services: There are a few organizations that provide mail-in services, and consumers can send back their batteries for safe processing.
• Local Hazardous Waste Collection: Local cities usually have regular collection events or permanent collection facilities for hazardous waste, including batteries. Check with your local waste management agency for programs provided.

The Recycling Process

Once collected, Li-ion batteries undergo recycling treatment to recover valuable materials:

1. Collection and Sorting: Batteries are sorted according to chemistry and capacity.
2. Discharge: Batteries are discharged safely to make sure that whatever remaining energy might be will not be a threat.
3. Mechanical Processing: Batteries are shredded and materials separated through processes like air classification and magnetic separation.
4. Hydmetallurgical Processing: Chemical solutions dissolve valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper.

Such reused materials can also be used to make new batteries, encouraging the circular economy and relying minimally on virgin material.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Recycling of Li-ion batteries has several advantages:

• Resource Conservation: Reduces the need for raw material extraction, conserving natural resources.
• Energy Conservation: The recycling processes typically require lower energy requirements compared to extracting and processing new materials.
• Economic Development: Allows for the development of green technologies and employment in recycling.

Consumers assist in saving the environment and creating sustainable technologies by participating in battery recycling activities.

Conclusion

Recycling and safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries are essential to protect the environment and public safety. By utilizing tried-and-tested recycling programs and following security procedures, individuals can be pillars in a circular and sustainable economy. For more battery materials, please check Stanford Electronics.

Reference:

[1] Ma, Xiaotu & Meng, Zifei & Bellonia, Marilena & Spangenberger, Jeffrey & Harper, Gavin & Gratz, Eric & Olivetti, Elsa & Arsenault, Renata & Wang, Yan. (2025). The evolution of lithium-ion battery recycling. Nature Reviews Clean Technology. 1. 75-94. 10.1038/s44359-024-00010-4.