Batteries are everywhere in today’s homes. From power tools and laptops to cordless vacuums, toys, phones, and e-bikes, the number of rechargeable batteries being used in everyday life continues to grow.

But with that convenience comes an important safety issue that many homeowners don’t realize:

Batteries cannot all be thrown away the same way — and some should never go in your trash or recycling bin.

Here in Onondaga County, OCRRA (Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency) has been expanding its battery management efforts to help residents safely recycle batteries and reduce the growing risk of battery-related fires.

Why Proper Battery Disposal Matters

Rechargeable batteries — especially lithium-ion batteries — can become dangerous if they are crushed, punctured, overheated, or improperly stored. When thrown into trash or recycling trucks, they can spark and ignite fires.

OCRRA and local fire officials have been increasing public awareness after several battery-related fire incidents in waste and recycling collection systems.

These fires can:

• Damage garbage and recycling trucks

• Put sanitation workers at risk

• Create dangerous facility fires

• Release hazardous materials into the environment

Batteries Never Belong in Your Recycling Bin

One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is assuming batteries can simply be tossed into curbside recycling.

According to OCRRA:

• Rechargeable batteries should never go in trash or recycling bins

• Different battery types require different disposal methods

• There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for battery recycling

This is especially important with rechargeable batteries commonly found in:

• Cell phones

• Laptops

• Cordless tools

• Power banks

• Wireless speakers

• E-bikes and scooters

• Ride-on toys

New York State Law Requires Rechargeable Battery Recycling

Many people don’t realize that in New York State, it is actually illegal to throw rechargeable batteries in the trash.

Retailers that sell rechargeable batteries are required to accept many used rechargeable batteries back for recycling.

This law exists because rechargeable batteries contain materials that can be hazardous if improperly disposed of.

OCRRA’s Battery Management Program

OCRRA has created a detailed battery management system to help Onondaga County residents safely identify and dispose of batteries based on type and size.

Their program separates batteries into categories such as:

• Single-use batteries

• Rechargeable batteries

• Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries (DDR batteries)

Rechargeable batteries are also grouped by size:

• Small-format

• Mid-format

• Large-format batteries

This matters because larger batteries — especially those used in e-bikes, lawn equipment, and backup power systems — require different handling procedures.

Battery Drop-Off Locations Are Expanding

To make recycling easier and safer, OCRRA has expanded battery drop-off locations throughout Onondaga County.

Residents can now find collection kiosks at:

• Grocery stores (All Wegmans locations in Onondaga County)

• Community centers

• Retail locations

• Other high-traffic areas across the county

Before dropping off rechargeable batteries, OCRRA recommends:

• Covering terminals with clear packing tape

• Or placing each battery in its own sealed plastic bag

This helps prevent accidental sparking during transport and storage.

Understanding Different Types of Household Batteries

Not all batteries are created equal — and knowing the difference is important for both safety and environmental protection.

Alkaline Batteries

These are the most common household batteries, including:

• AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt batteries

In New York, standard alkaline batteries are generally permitted in household trash, though recycling them is still encouraged whenever possible. While they pose less of a fire risk than rechargeable batteries, they should never be mixed loosely with metal objects, especially 9-volt batteries, which can still spark if terminals touch.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries include:

• Lithium-ion batteries

• Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries

• Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries 

These are commonly found in:

• Phones

• Laptops

• Power tools

• E-bikes

• Tablets

• Wireless devices

• Rechargeable lawn equipment

These batteries should never be thrown in household trash or curbside recycling bins.

Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, create the highest fire hazard risk because they can ignite or explode if punctured, crushed, overheated, or damaged. Even a partially damaged battery can start dangerous fires in garbage trucks or recycling facilities.

Button Batteries

Small button batteries are often found in:

• Watches

• Hearing aids

• Key fobs

• Toys

• Thermometers

While small, they can be extremely dangerous if swallowed and should always be kept away from children and pets. They should also be recycled properly and never left loose in household waste.

Lead-Acid Batteries

These larger batteries are typically used in:

• Cars

• Boats

• Lawn tractors

• Backup sump pump systems