Battery Disposal - If you charge it, don't discard it!

Keep rechargeable batteries out of the garbage

Lithium-ion (another rechargeable) batteries should never be thrown in the trash or placed in a curbside recycling cart. When these batteries are crushed, punctured, or damaged during collection, transportation, or processing, they can generate intense heat and cause fires that spread rapidly. These fires put employees, emergency responders, equipment, facilities, and the public at risk. It’s estimated that battery fires cost the waste and recycling industry over $1.2 billion annually!

The number of battery-related fires occurring at waste and recycling facilities continues to rise each year as rechargeable batteries become more common in everyday products. Olmsted County has experienced these dangers firsthand, reminding us that proper disposal is essential for community safety. 

Dem Con’s transfer station in Blaine, MN was a total loss after a cell phone battery ignited a pile of municipal solid waste (garbage).
Dem Con’s transfer station in Blaine, MN was a total loss after a cell phone battery ignited a pile of municipal solid waste (garbage). Photo courtesy of DEM-CON.

Common items that contain rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries are hidden in more everyday items than most people realize. Some of these items include: 

  • Smartphones, tablets, and laptops 
  • Smartwatches 
  • Bluetooth speakers and headphones 
  • Power tools and power tool batteries 
  • Electric razors and toothbrushes 
  • Home healthcare electronics 
  • E-bike and scooter batteries 
  • Vapes and e-cigarettes 

If you charge it, don’t discard it in your garbage or recycling bin. Bring it to the Olmsted County Recycling Center or Hazardous Waste Facility for safe handling and proper disposal. 

How to dispose of batteries safely 

Loose rechargeable batteries can be brought to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility (HWF) for safe handling and proper recycling. 

Battery-powered devices including laptops, power tools, and other electronics can be brought to the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus. 

Single use alkaline batteries

These can be thrown in the trash. Do not throw them in your recycling cart.