No, do not put lithium-ion batteries in household garbage or curbside recycling.

No. The U.S. EPA says not to put lithium-ion batteries or devices containing them in household garbage or municipal recycling bins. Use a separate battery collection point or household hazardous-waste program.

Why curbside bins are a problem

Batteries can be crushed or damaged during collection and sorting. A damaged lithium-ion battery can start a fire at a truck, recycling facility, or landfill. The recycling symbol on a product does not mean a battery belongs in the curbside bin.

Look for a battery take-back location, electronics retailer program, or local household hazardous-waste site. Check what the location accepts before you travel. Local programs differ, and some accept only certain battery types or conditions.

Prepare batteries for drop-off

For an intact removable battery, the EPA recommends covering the terminals with non-conductive tape or placing each battery in its own plastic bag to reduce short-circuit risk. Keep batteries protected from damage while transporting them. Do not dismantle a battery or device just to remove a battery that is not designed to be user-serviceable.

Damaged, swollen, hot, or leaking batteries need special handling. Do not put them in a regular drop-off box without checking first. Contact the device or battery manufacturer and the local collection program for instructions.

Scope

The EPA guidance is U.S.-specific. Disposal services and regulations vary by location, so check your local waste authority's current instructions.