Dead Batteries, Live Dangers: What You Need to Know

Batteries give life to everything from TV remotes and smoke detectors to smartphones and power tools. But when they run out of juice, tossing them into the trash or recycling bin isn’t always the right choice.

Some batteries contain hazardous chemicals, while others can spark fires if they are damaged or disposed of improperly. These risks can threaten sanitation workers, damage waste management equipment and harm the environment.

Knowing how to dispose of batteries properly can help prevent fires, protect the environment and keep our communities safe.

Here’s what you need to know about the different types of batteries, the risks they pose and how to dispose of them safely.

Batteries at a glance

Battery type	Common uses	Key hazard	Disposal method
Alkaline	TV remotes, clocks, toys	Short-circuit risk, especially with 9-volt batteries.	Household trash where permitted; recycling preferred where available
Lithium-ion	Phones, power tools, e-bikes	Fire and overheating	Approved battery recycling or hazardous waste collection
Ni-Cd	Older power tools, emergency lighting	Toxic cadmium and short-circuit risk	Approved battery recycling or hazardous waste collection
NiMH	Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, hybrid vehicles	Overheating and short-circuit risks	Designated battery recycling location
Lead-acid	Cars, boats, Uninterruptible power supplies	Toxic lead and corrosive sulfuric acid	Battery retailers or approved collection locations

Single-use alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries

Common uses: TV remotes, flashlights, wall clocks and toys. Common sizes include AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries

The hazard: Most modern alkaline batteries contain metals such as zinc and manganese dioxide and no longer contain intentionally added mercury. Although they pose fewer environmental risks than some other battery types, large quantities can still release metals into the

environment over time.

The fire threat: Unlike most household batteries, 9-volt batteries have both terminals on the same end. If the terminals touch a metal object, such as steel wool or loose change, the battery can short-circuit and start a fire.

Proper disposal:

9-volt batteries: Cover both terminals with nonconductive tape, such as PVC electrical tape, to prevent accidental contact with metal objects.
Other single-use alkaline batteries: In many areas, these batteries can be placed in household trash. However, local disposal rules vary. Check with your local waste management authority or TheBatteryNetwork to determine whether battery recycling or a designated collection site is available in your area.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium metal batteries

Common uses: Smartphones, laptops, cordless power tools, electric bikes, electric vehicles, vape pens and some watches and other small electronic devices.

The hazard: Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space. Although convenient for powering everyday devices, they can become dangerous if damaged, overheated or improperly handled.

The fire threat: When a lithium-ion battery is crushed, punctured or exposed to excessive heat, it can experience a process called thermal runaway. This occurs when a battery overheats and triggers a chain reaction that produces even more heat. The result can be a rapidly spreading fire, the release of toxic gases or even an explosion. These fires can be difficult to extinguish and pose serious risks to sanitation workers, garbage trucks and waste processing facilities, such as landfills.

Proper disposal: Never place lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries in household trash or curbside recycling bins.

Cover exposed terminals with nonconductive tape or place individual batteries in separate plastic bags, as appropriate for the battery type.
Take batteries to an approved battery recycling location or household hazardous waste collection facility.
Check with participating retailers and TheBatteryNetwork for local collection programs to confirm which batteries are accepted.
If a lithium battery is swollen, leaking, overheating or visibly damaged, do not place it in the trash or a regular battery recycling bin. Avoid handling or transporting it unnecessarily. Contact your local hazardous waste authority, such as the Polk County’s Household Hazardous Waste facility, for instructions on safe handling and disposal.

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries

Common uses: Older cordless power tools, two-way radios, emergency lighting and older electronic devices.

The hazard: Nickel-cadmium batteries contain cadmium, a toxic heavy metal that can harm human health and the environment. Exposure to cadmium can damage the kidneys and bones, and certain forms of exposure have been associated with cancer.

The fire threat: Nickel-cadmium batteries generally pose a lower fire risk than lithium-ion batteries. However, damaged batteries or exposed terminals can still cause short circuits, overheating and fires.

Proper disposal: Do not place nickel-cadmium batteries in household trash or recycling bins. Instead, take them to an approved battery recycling location, participating retailer or your local household hazardous waste facility. Visit TheBatteryNetwork to find participating battery collection locations.

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries

Common uses: Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, digital cameras, some hybrid vehicles and medical equipment.

The hazard: Nickel-metal hydride batteries do not contain the toxic cadmium found in nickel-cadmium batteries. However, they still contain materials that can be recovered and reused through proper recycling.

The fire threat: Although their fire risk is generally lower than that of lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries can overheat if their terminals come into contact with metal objects.

Proper disposal: Cover exposed terminals with nonconductive tape and take these batteries to a designated battery recycling location or an approved collection facility. Recycling helps recover valuable materials and keeps batteries out of the waste stream.

Lead-acid batteries

Common uses: Cars, boats, golf carts and backup power systems.

The hazard: Lead-acid batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid. Lead is a toxic metal that can harm the nervous system, while sulfuric acid can cause severe chemical burns. Improper disposal can release these hazardous materials into the environment.

The fire threat: Lead-acid batteries can produce flammable hydrogen gas while charging. If their terminals are short-circuited, sparks can ignite the gas and potentially cause an explosion.

Proper disposal: Never place lead-acid batteries in household trash or curbside recycling bins. Instead, return them to an auto parts store, battery retailer or other approved collection location. Many retailers accept old automotive batteries when customers purchase replacements and may offer a refund or credit through a battery core charge. Lead-acid batteries are among the most widely recycled consumer products, allowing much of their lead and other materials to be recovered and reused.

Three simple rules for battery safety

Proper battery disposal doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep these three tips in mind:

Tape the terminals: Cover exposed battery terminals with nonconductive tape, especially on 9-volt and lithium batteries, to help prevent short circuits. Follow any additional instructions provided by your battery collection program.

Store batteries safely: Keep used batteries in a cool, dry location away from heat, moisture and metal objects. Store them in a nonmetal container and keep damaged batteries separate from undamaged ones.

When in doubt, don’t throw it out: If you’re unsure what type of battery you have or how to dispose of it, contact your local waste management authority before placing it in the trash or recycling bin.

Where to go when you can’t throw

Visit TheBatteryNetwork to find participating recycling centers near you.
Bring your batteries to the Polk County’s Household Hazardous Waste facility, located at 5 Environmental Loop S., Winter Haven. Call 863-284-4319 for more information or visit https://www.polkfl.gov/services/polk-county-solid-waste/household-hazardous-waste/.

Small batteries, big responsibility

A dead battery may seem harmless, but improper disposal can create serious risks for sanitation workers, waste management facilities and the environment. Taking a few extra moments to identify your batteries and dispose of them correctly can make a big difference.

Remember: When a battery runs out of power, the power to properly dispose of it is in your hands. Dispose of it safely.

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