Household Batteries: Safe Storage and Drop-Off

Improperly stored household batteries can cause fires in trash trucks, recycling centers and waste facilities. As lithium-ion batteries become more common in everyday items, safe storage and disposal are more important than ever. Wake County accepts many common household batteries at Household Hazardous Waste facilities.

Why this matters

Lithium-ion batteries can ignite when crushed or damaged, causing "thermal runaway," where they overheat, ignite and burn everything in contact with them. These fires are a growing problem nationwide and can damage collection vehicles, recycling equipment and facilities. Wake County lost a Household Hazardous Waste facility in 2024 due to an incorrectly stored lithium battery, and rebuilding will cost millions.

North Carolina law is changing too: a ban on disposing of lithium-ion batteries in landfills or incinerators takes effect on December 1, 2026. This law, SL 2023-137, empowers local governments to enforce proper battery disposal.

Common household items that may contain batteries

Smartphones, laptops, power tools, hearing aids, greeting cards, electric toothbrushes, watches, smoke detectors, flashlights and toys may all contain batteries.

What Wake County accepts

• Household batteries, including alkaline, lithium primary, and button cell
• Rechargeable batteries from phones, toys, tools and computers
• Lead-acid vehicle batteries (limit 6)
   

Not accepted: Lithium car batteries or generator batteries.

How to prepare batteries for drop-off

Step 1: Tape

Tape the positive and negative terminals on lithium-ion batteries to prevent short circuits. Use clear packing tape, not painter’s tape.

Step 2: Collect

Place batteries in a leakproof container, such as a plastic tub or glass jar. Do not use a metal container, and do not put a lid on the container.

• Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, including button cell)
• Lithium-primary (Li-metal)
• Rechargeable
• Lead-acid (12V)
• Lithium-ion (Li-ion, including button cell)
• Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)
• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)

Step 3: Store

Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from children. Drop them off within six months.

Step 4: Drop off