How to recycle batteries and find battery drop-off bins near you

Lithium-ion batteries have quietly become one of the most common components in everyday products—powering phones, laptops, earbuds, tools, toothbrushes, and countless household devices. As these devices reach the end of their life, the question many people ask is how do I dispose of them? 

Today, the answer isn’t always obvious. Many Americans are unsure how to recycle batteries or where to bring them, and information can vary by city, store, or battery type. As a result, millions of used batteries remain stored at home or are thrown away, despite containing valuable metals that can be reclaimed and reused.  

Redwood Materials’ household battery recycling options

Redwood offers multiple pathways for responsible battery drop-off and recovery: 

These different options ensure people can recycle batteries whether they’re on the go, at home, or participating in local collection initiatives. 

What can be recycled 

Redwood accepts the following types of batteries and devices for recycling:

  • Lithium-ion batteries 

  • Rechargeable household batteries 

  • Phones and tablets 

  • Laptops 

  • Earbuds and headphones 

  • Electric toothbrushes and razors 

  • Portable battery-powered devices 

  • Any rechargeable device

If you’re unsure whether a device contains a battery, a helpful rule is: if it charges, it likely has one. 

Redwood Materials battery recycling bin

How the Battery Bin works 

  • Mixed-battery collection: The bins accept lithium-ion batteries or devices (up to 300 Wh) as-is (no taping, bagging, pre-sorting, or disassembly required.)  Inside, a microcontroller uses infrared, ultrasonic, and positional sensing to evaluate each item, optimizing packing density, and maintaining safe internal conditions.  

  • Automated sensing: From the outside the bin looks simple, but inside it’s a fully-automated sensing and materials-management platform that continuously verifies internal status and monitors deposited items without manual intervention.   

  • Real-time telemetry: The bin communicates its condition in real time, giving operators full visibility into drum position, fill level, volume, and system health, dramatically reducing site-level labor and touch points that challenge traditional recycling programs.  

When taping or packing may still be required 

For mail-in recycling or certain large-format device collections, different preparation rules may apply depending on the method. In those cases, follow DOT guidelines for safe shipping.  

What happens to batteries after they are collected 

All collected batteries ultimately go to Redwood’s recycling facilities in Nevada and South Carolina, where the materials inside them are recovered through hydrometallurgical refinement. We recover more than 95% of the critical metals through our recycling process, returning them to the supply chain rather than letting them sit unused in drawers or go to landfills.

Safety and consumer guidance 

Before recycling batteries or devices: 

  • Do not crush, puncture, or disassemble them 

  • Store them in a container rather than loose in a pocket or bag 

  • Never put rechargeable batteries in household trash or curbside recycling 

  • At Battery Bin locations, simply deposit the device or battery directly into the chute. 

Find battery recycling near you

Redwood’s smart battery bins and collection programs are expanding regionally. Depending on your area, you may have access to: 

  • Retail drop-off locations 

  • Business and campus-hosted bins 

  • Community collection days 

  • Direct mail 

Find a recycling location near you, or and learn more about direct mail and other recycling pathways. 

Building accessible battery recycling nationwide 

Battery recycling should feel as simple and natural as recycling paper or glass. By combining automated collection technology with accessible drop-off locations and community-scale programs, Redwood is working to make battery recovery part of everyday life. For questions—or to inquire about hosting a recycling bin—contact: 
recycle@redwoodmaterials.com. 

Battery recycling FAQ

Can I recycle lithium-ion batteries? 

Yes. Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled with Redwood Materials, and their valuable materials are recovered for reuse. 

Do I need to tape battery terminals before recycling? 

Only if instructed for certain mail-in or bulk programs. When using the Redwood Battery Bin, no taping or bagging is required. Please wipe all data off your   

Can I recycle devices with embedded batteries? 

Yes. When using the Battery Bin, devices such as headphones, toothbrushes, small tools, and other rechargeable electronics can be dropped off intact. 

How do I know if a location near me has a battery bin? 

Check our local recycling tools or signage at participating stores — bins are placed in visible, accessible public areas. 

What happens to the materials after recycling? 

Redwood recovers more than 95% of the critical metals found in batteries and returns them to the supply chain to power new products.  

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