Proper end of life management of spent or waste batteries helps protect public health and the environment. The preferred method of end of life management is battery recycling. Safe recycling of batteries conserves the critical minerals and other valuable materials that are used in batteries and is a more sustainable approach than disposal.

In the event that batteries cannot be recycled, batteries must be properly disposed of. Disposal methods depend on a battery’s chemistry. Some batteries, such as single-use alkaline batteries, are easy to remove and dispose of. Other batteries, such as lithium-ion, can be more difficult to remove and even dangerous if not handled properly. 

Batteries that do not fall under hazardous waste regulations:

• Batteries that are not yet waste (i.e., not disposed of)
• Waste batteries generated by households also known as household hazardous waste
• Batteries that do not exhibit a characteristic of hazardous waste (for example, a used, single-use alkaline battery, which often does not exhibit hazardous characteristics)

Battery Disposal Guidance for Businesses:

• Lead-Acid Battery Management | View Lead-Acid Battery Page >
• Universal Waste Battery Management | View Universal Waste Battery Page >

Battery Disposal Guidance for Households:

• Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used household battery webpage | Visit EPA Page >
• Lead-acid battery guidance | View for Households >
• Read ADEQ’s at-home guide to handling used batteries | View ADEQ Guide English > | Spanish >