Batteries can spark when they come into contact with each other or with metal, and lithium-ion batteries are especially prone to "meltdown" if damaged by handling equipment. When this happens in a pile of waste or recycled material, the fuel is there to cause significant damage. Rechargeable batteries like lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and coin batteries are found in many everyday items, like cell phones, laptops, tablets, tools, games, small appliances, electric scooters, vape pens, musical cards, etc. Single-use alkaline batteries are less volatile than rechargeable batteries, but even when they are "dead," all batteries can still hold a spark.

 

When batteries are recycled, the metal and chemical components are removed from their "casing," which can be made of plastic, metal, or other types of materials. Extreme temperatures, moisture, friction, and compaction are all conditions that can cause leaks, combustion, or corrosion during use, storage, or transport. Batteries, when included with single-stream recycling, become an issue during collection when vehicles compress and compact recyclables inside the truck. The same happens in trash collection vehicles. The other danger for batteries is at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Batteries that end up in recycling sorting equipment are likely to get damaged and leak or spark.

 

While many electronic waste drop-off programs instruct participants to remove all batteries from devices before recycling, some devices have embedded batteries that require specific tools to remove safely. This can make electronic waste particularly difficult to manage. Vapes are a primary example of devices with embedded batteries that have become a growing concern for disposal. They often contain nicotine and cannabis residues as well as rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which pose the biggest risk for fires during transport and disposal.

 

Education Pitfalls and Best Practices: 

• Batteries require ongoing messaging using a multimedia approach - social media, websites, flyers, postcards, word of mouth, and outreach where batteries are sold.
• If your community has a household chemical drop-off facility or periodic community collections, display large banners in visible locations that remind residents to bring unusable batteries every time they visit the facility or collection event.
• Showing images of battery fires draws attention to the harms of improper battery disposal.
• Remember to educate on the proper storage of used batteries by taping the ends (terminals) of batteries to avoid a spark.
• Clear, prominent reminders about where batteries can go are needed, as convenience often becomes the deciding factor in proper disposal.
• Education efforts can be undermined by inconsistent messaging and lack of repeated reinforcement. Regular reminders across multiple channels paired with consistent messaging among local governments and partner organizations are essential to help residents internalize safe battery disposal practices.

 

Michigan Perspective: 

In Michigan, end-of-life battery management is an issue that has direct, real-world consequences. Most recycling and waste facilities and haulers have experienced one or more fire incidents in recent years, and these occurrences are growing beyond the industry's ability to manage them.

 

Michigan residents were surveyed to better understand knowledge around batteries and battery recycling for the Michigan 2025 Battery Gap Analysis (EGLE, 2026). Only 5% of respondents reported no barriers to battery recycling and about 1/3 of all respondents believed that batteries could be placed in curbside trash or recycling carts.

 

Batteries require special collection and handling to limit risk to people and property. Many Michigan counties and municipalities provide special battery collection opportunities through drop-offs, special events, or household hazardous waste programs. Battery producers have also invested in The Battery Network that coordinates limited end-of-life battery collection through retail partners.

 

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is changing the landscape of battery management, and Michigan is working to be a part of that change. Through EPR laws, the producers of batteries and products that contain batteries would be required to financially and operationally support a comprehensive system that ensures the proper collection, handling, and ultimately, recycling of specified batteries. If passed in Michigan, EPR would provide a source of ongoing funding to sustain robust collection programs, making year-round battery collection safe and feasible.

 

Additional Resources: 

• EGLE battery storage and transportation video
• MRF battery fire facts

• Batteries are dangerous if not properly stored and recycled after use, because they contain chemicals that can leak from their terminals and pose a risk to people and the environment.
• There are many different, convenient drop-off options for household batteries. Use the Battery Network to search for battery drop-off recycling near you.
• Never put batteries in your curbside recycling or trash cart or bin, as they can ignite and cause fires in trucks and at recycling sorting facilities due to their chemical components. Only dispose of batteries at designated locations.
• Even dead batteries can cause a spark when thrown away. Tape your battery terminals before storing and transporting.
• Check locally for battery return programs through municipalities, store returns, or third-party, battery-specific programs like the Battery Network.
• According to a 2024 broad sampling of recycling sorting facilities, on average, each facility has more than 18 fires per year. Prevent fires by following program guidelines for recycling and disposal.

How to Recycle: 

• Drop-Off - may be connected to Household Hazardous Waste events/drives
• Mail-In - Check Cirba Solutions
• Retail/Other - Schools, office buildings, big box retailers, office supply stores, and automotive suppliers

Importance of Recycling

Battery use is on the rise as technology continues to advance. Lithium battery use is expected to continue to increase, with a sixfold growth anticipated between 2022 and 2030. According to the US EPA, about three billion batteries are sold every year in the US. This is equivalent to about 32 per household or 10 per person, with about 8 household batteries disposed of per person per year. Many batteries contain heavy metals, which can pollute the environment if disposed of improperly.