Used Batteries

Batteries power many of the devices we use every day—from remote controls and flashlights to smartphones, cordless tools, and vehicles. When batteries reach the end of their useful life, they should be managed properly.

Why Recycling Batteries Matters

Recycling batteries helps recover valuable materials, protects the environment, and keeps hazardous substances out of landfills.

Batteries contain valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, lead, steel, and zinc, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Recycling allows these materials to be recovered and reused in the manufacturing of new products, reducing the need for new mining.

Proper handling or recycling of used batteries also reduces environmental concerns and improves public safety:

Lead-acid batteries contain highly corrosive sulfuric acid and toxic lead, which can be released into the environment if damaged, contaminating soil and groundwater and negatively impact wildlife.

Lithium-ion batteries present severe fire risks; they can easily experience thermal runaway, short-circuit, and explode when crushed inside standard garbage trucks or municipal landfills.

Used Batteries Regulations and Management

Kansas has fully adopted the Federal Universal Waste Rule (40 CFR Part 273), which simplifies Hazardous Waste management standards for specific common electronics and battery types. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regulates used batteries based on whether they are generated by households or businesses.

Household Batteries:

Standard single-use Alkaline & Zinc-Carbon batteries (e.g., AA, AAA, D) are considered non-hazardous and can be legally thrown in your regular trash, though recycling is still encouraged.
Lithium-ion & Rechargeable Batteries (e.g., cell phones, power tools, 9-volt) present a severe fire hazard (thermal runaway) in landfills. They should NOT be thrown in the trash and must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility or specialized recycler.
It is illegal in Kansas to throw Lead-Acid batteries (Vehicle/Boat) in the trash. Retailers selling these batteries are required by law to accept your used ones for recycling.

Battery Disposal in the Lake Region

Residents are encouraged to recycle batteries whenever possible. Depending on the county or community, disposal options may include:

County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities
Community recycling events

No every county within the Lake Region accepts the same types batteries for recycling. Additional details are available on each of the county pages: Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami, Osage, and Shawnee.

Retail Battery Recycling:

Many national retailers offer convenient battery recycling for rechargeable batteries and, in some locations, other battery types.

Participating retailers may include:

Home improvement stores
Office supply stores
Electronics retailers
Hardware stores

Acceptance policies vary by location, so contact the retailer before visiting

Preventing Battery Fires

Lithium-ion batteries are safe if used as intended. Numerous recalls of commercial products have occurred due to incorrect LIBs being utilized resulting in fires.
Li-ion and lead acid batteries cannot be fully discharged and must be stored with a remaining charge.
Nickel-based batteries can be stored in a fully discharged state with no apparent side effect. Heat combined with a full charge is said to induce more stress to Li-ion than regular cycling.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place.
Never place loose rechargeable batteries in curbside recycling carts.
Tape the terminals of lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable batteries, and 9-volt batteries with clear or electrical tape before recycling.
Keep damaged batteries separate from other batteries. Place damaged or swollen batteries in a non-metal container.
Do not dispose of batteries in burn barrels or fires.

What to do When a Battery Overheats or Catches Fire
If a LIB overheats, hisses or bulges, immediately move the device away from flammable materials and place it on a non-combustible surface. If possible, remove the battery and put it outdoors to burn out. Simply disconnecting the battery from charge may not stop its destructive path.