When your solar light batteries finally die, and they all do eventually, you are left with a handful of spent cells and a question that most people get wrong. What do you do with them? The answer is not the trash can. Tossing solar light batteries in your curbside garbage is illegal in many states, dangerous to sanitation workers, and a waste of recoverable materials. But figuring out where to actually take them is surprisingly complicated because the rules vary by battery chemistry and by location.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about recycling solar light batteries. I will cover the three battery types found in solar lights, why each one is hazardous in landfills, how to find a recycling drop off, and the specific disposal rules in every state. If you have a drawer full of dead batteries you have been meaning to deal with, this is your roadmap.
Why Solar Light Batteries Cannot Go in the Trash
Batteries do not belong in household garbage for three reasons, and understanding them helps explain why the rules exist.
Fire risk. This is the biggest concern, especially with lithium based batteries. A lithium ion or LiFePO4 cell that is damaged, crushed, or punctured can short circuit and ignite. Garbage trucks compact trash, and a compactor crushing a lithium battery is a reliable way to start a fire. Sanitation trucks have burned to the ground from single batteries in the load. Landfill fires started by batteries can smolder for weeks and release toxic smoke. Even a supposedly dead battery retains enough charge to spark if the terminals contact metal in the trash.
NiMH batteries are less prone to thermal runaway than lithium, but they can still short and heat up. The risk is lower but not zero.
Toxic materials. Batteries contain heavy metals and corrosive electrolytes that leach into soil and groundwater when buried. Nickel cadmium batteries (still found in some older solar lights) contain cadmium, which is a known carcinogen. A single NiCd battery can contaminate 600 liters of water above safe drinking levels. NiMH batteries contain nickel and potassium hydroxide electrolyte. Lead acid batteries (rare in solar lights but found in some large solar post lamps) contain lead and sulfuric acid. None of these belong in the ground.
Wasted resources. Batteries contain valuable metals that are fully recyclable. Nickel, cobalt, lithium, iron, and copper are all recoverable. Recycling a lithium battery recovers about 95 percent of its lithium and cobalt. Throwing it away means mining new materials for the next battery. Given how many solar lights are sold each year, the aggregate waste from trashed batteries is substantial.
Every battery chemistry used in solar lights has a recycling pathway. It just takes a little effort to find it.
Battery Types and Their Disposal Requirements
Solar lights use three main battery chemistries, and each has different disposal rules. You need to identify what you have before you can recycle it correctly.
NiMH (nickel metal hydride). The most common solar light battery. Usually AA or AAA size, 1.2V nominal. NiMH is the easiest battery to recycle because it is classified as non hazardous waste in most states. You can legally throw a single NiMH battery in the trash in many states, though it is strongly discouraged. Recycling is always available and always better. NiMH batteries are accepted at most battery drop off locations, including retail stores and municipal facilities.
NiCd (nickel cadmium). Found in older solar lights and some cheap new ones. Usually AA size, 1.2V. NiCd is classified as hazardous waste due to cadmium content. It is illegal to dispose of NiCd batteries in household trash in every state. They must be recycled. Fortunately, NiCd is easy to recycle and widely accepted. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (Call2Recycle) program accepts NiCd at thousands of drop off locations.
Lithium ion and LiFePO4. Found in newer and higher end solar lights. Usually 18650, 14500, or 26650 sizes. 3.2V to 3.7V nominal. Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous waste and are illegal to trash in most states. They require special handling because of fire risk. Battery recycling locations that accept lithium batteries are slightly less common than those that accept NiMH, but they are still widely available. The key with lithium batteries is to prevent the terminals from contacting each other or metal during transport and storage. Tape the terminals with electrical tape before recycling.
Identifying your battery. Look at the label. NiMH batteries say “NiMH” or “nickel metal hydride.” NiCd batteries say “NiCd” or “nickel cadmium.” Lithium batteries say “Li-ion” or “LiFePO4” or “lithium.” If the label is worn off, a lithium battery is noticeably lighter than a NiMH of the same size and has a higher voltage (3.2V vs 1.2V) if you check it with a multimeter.
If you genuinely cannot identify the battery, treat it as lithium (the most hazardous) and tape the terminals before recycling. This is the safest default.
How to Find a Recycling Location Near You
Finding a battery recycling drop off is easier than most people think. Here are the main options, in order of convenience.
Retail store drop off programs. Many national retailers have battery recycling bins near the entrance or customer service desk. Battery specialty retailers like Batteries Plus have comprehensive recycling programs and accept every battery type. Electronics retailers typically have bins for rechargeable batteries. Auto parts stores accept lead acid batteries and often take other types too. Hardware stores vary, but many have Call2Recycle bins that accept NiMH, NiCd, and lithium rechargeable batteries.
The Call2Recycle program is the largest battery recycling network in the United States, with over 30,000 drop off locations. You can search for locations on their website by entering your zip code. The program is free and accepts all rechargeable batteries under 11 pounds, which covers every battery used in solar lights. Most Call2Recycle drop off bins are located in retail stores.
Municipal hazardous waste facilities. Every county or city has a hazardous waste disposal facility or collection event. These accept all battery types, including lithium. Some facilities are open year round, while others hold monthly or quarterly collection days. The downside is that you may have to drive to the facility during limited hours, and some charge a small fee. Check your local government website for details.
Mail in recycling programs. If you do not have a convenient drop off location, you can mail batteries to a recycler. Call2Recycle offers mail in kits for a fee. Some battery manufacturers offer free mail back programs for their products. Mail in programs are the most convenient option if you have a batch of batteries to dispose of at once, because you collect them and ship them in one box.
Library and community center drop offs. Some public libraries, community centers, and schools have battery recycling bins. These are usually Call2Recycle bins. They are convenient for small quantities of household batteries.
Special consideration for damaged batteries. If a battery is swollen, leaking, or physically damaged, do not put it in a standard drop off bin. Swollen lithium batteries are a fire hazard and need special handling. Place the battery in a fireproof container (a metal can with sand works) and take it directly to a hazardous waste facility. Call ahead to confirm they accept damaged batteries. Never ship a damaged lithium battery by mail without checking carrier regulations.
State-by-State Disposal Rules and Programs
Battery disposal laws vary significantly by state. Some states have strict mandates with penalties for trashing batteries. Others rely on voluntary recycling. Here is a summary of the rules in every state, focusing on what is legally required and what programs are available.
| State | Trash Ban (All Rechargeable) | Trash Ban (NiCd Specific) | Retail Takeback Required | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | No | No | Limited municipal HHW, use Call2Recycle |
| Alaska | No | No | No | Anchorage HHW facility, rural areas use mail in |
| Arizona | No | No | No | County HHW events in Phoenix, Tucson areas |
| Arkansas | No | No | No | Regional solid waste districts hold collection days |
| California | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | Universal waste rules, extensive retail and municipal network |
| Colorado | Yes (NiCd, Li) | Yes | No | Denver and Boulder county HHW, statewide Call2Recycle |
| Connecticut | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | Mandatory retailer takeback for rechargeables |
| Delaware | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | DNREC collection programs |
| Florida | No | No | No | County HHW programs vary widely, Call2Recycle available |
| Georgia | No | No | No | Atlanta area HHW, rural areas limited |
| Hawaii | Yes (all) | Yes | No | County drop off on all islands |
| Idaho | No | No | No | Boise HHW, rural areas use mail in |
| Illinois | No | Yes | No | Chicago HHW facility, statewide Call2Recycle |
| Indiana | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | Mandatory retailer takeback, e-waste law covers batteries |
| Iowa | No | Yes | No | Regional collection centers, Call2Recycle |
| Kansas | No | No | No | County HHW varies, limited in rural areas |
| Kentucky | No | No | No | Louisville and Lexington HHW, Call2Recycle statewide |
| Louisiana | No | No | No | Parishes vary, New Orleans area has collection |
| Maine | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | Strong Universal waste law, retailer takeback required |
| Maryland | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | County HHW programs plus retail takeback |
| Massachusetts | No | Yes | No | Municipal HHW, some retailers participate |
| Michigan | No | Yes | No | County HHW, Call2Recycle statewide |
| Minnesota | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | Strong battery recycling law, retail takeback required |
| Mississippi | No | No | No | Limited HHW, rely on Call2Recycle and mail in |
| Missouri | No | Yes | No | St Louis and Kansas City HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Montana | No | No | No | Limited HHW, mail in recommended for rural areas |
| Nebraska | No | No | No | Lincoln and Omaha HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Nevada | No | No | No | Clark County HHW, rural areas limited |
| New Hampshire | No | Yes | No | Municipal HHW, Call2Recycle |
| New Jersey | No | Yes | No | County HHW programs, Call2Recycle statewide |
| New Mexico | No | No | No | Albuquerque HHW, rural areas limited |
| New York | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | Rechargeable Battery Act, retail takeback mandated |
| North Carolina | No | Yes | No | County HHW varies, Call2Recycle |
| North Dakota | No | No | No | Limited HHW, mail in recommended |
| Ohio | No | Yes | No | County HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Oklahoma | No | No | No | OKC and Tulsa HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Oregon | No | Yes | No | Metro HHW in Portland, statewide Call2Recycle |
| Pennsylvania | No | Yes | No | County HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Rhode Island | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | Universal waste law, retail takeback |
| South Carolina | No | No | No | County HHW varies, Call2Recycle |
| South Dakota | No | No | No | Limited HHW, mail in recommended |
| Tennessee | No | No | No | Nashville and Memphis HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Texas | No | No | No | Major cities have HHW, rural areas use Call2Recycle |
| Utah | No | No | No | Salt Lake County HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Vermont | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | Strong battery law, free retail takeback |
| Virginia | No | Yes | No | County HHW programs, Call2Recycle |
| Washington | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | E-cycle Washington includes batteries, retail takeback |
| Washington DC | Yes (all) | Yes | Yes | DPW HHW collection, retail takeback |
| West Virginia | No | No | No | Limited HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Wisconsin | No | Yes | No | County HHW, Call2Recycle |
| Wyoming | No | No | No | Limited HHW, mail in recommended |
How to read this table. “Trash Ban (All Rechargeable)” means it is illegal to dispose of any rechargeable battery (NiMH, NiCd, lithium) in household trash. “Trash Ban (NiCd Specific)” means only NiCd batteries are banned from trash, which is the federal minimum under the Mercury Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act. “Retail Takeback Required” means retailers that sell rechargeable batteries must also accept them back for recycling, making drop off very convenient in those states.
Key takeaways. California, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Washington, and a few others have the strongest battery recycling laws. If you live in one of these states, you have retail takeback available by law, so finding a drop off is easy. In states without retail takeback mandates, you rely on voluntary retailer programs (Call2Recycle bins) and municipal hazardous waste facilities. Even in states with no trash ban, recycling is available and strongly recommended.
Preparing Batteries for Recycling and Safe Storage
Once you decide to recycle, you need to store the dead batteries safely until you can drop them off. Improperly stored batteries can leak, short circuit, or start fires. Here is how to handle them.
Tape the terminals. This is critical for lithium batteries and good practice for all types. Put a strip of electrical tape or packing tape over the positive and negative terminals. This prevents the terminals from contacting each other or metal objects, which could cause a short. For button cells and coin cells, tape over the entire battery. For AA and AAA, tape over the ends. For 18650 and other cylindrical lithium cells, tape over both terminals.
Store in a non conductive container. Put the taped batteries in a plastic or glass container with a lid. Do not use a metal can for lithium batteries because if the tape fails, the metal can short the terminals. A plastic food container or a dedicated battery storage box works. Keep batteries of the same chemistry together, and separate different chemistries so they do not get mixed up at the recycling facility.
Keep them cool and dry. Store the container in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Heat degrades batteries and can cause damaged cells to vent. A garage shelf or basement is fine. Do not store batteries near flammable materials.
Do not store damaged batteries long term. If a battery is swollen, leaking, or hot to the touch, do not store it. Take it to a hazardous waste facility immediately. A swollen lithium battery is a fire waiting to happen. Put it in a metal container with sand and transport it the same day if possible.
Check for leakage. NiMH and NiCd batteries sometimes leak potassium hydroxide, which is a white crusty deposit around the terminals. This is corrosive. Wear gloves when handling leaked batteries. Clean the battery with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar to neutralize the alkaline, then wipe with water and dry before storing. The recycling facility does not care if the battery has leaked, but you do not want the electrolyte corroding your storage container or other batteries.
How long can you store them? There is no hard limit, but try to recycle within a few months. Dead batteries slowly self discharge and corrode over time. A battery that is fine in January might be leaking by July. Set a recurring reminder to drop off batteries every six months so they do not accumulate.
Transporting to the drop off. When you take batteries to a recycling location, keep them in their non conductive container. Do not dump them loose in a bag where they can rattle and contact each other. For lithium batteries, keep them taped during transport. If you are transporting a large quantity (more than about 20 lithium cells), check local regulations because some states have limits on how many lithium batteries you can transport at once without special handling.
Recycling solar light batteries is one of those tasks that is easy to put off but important to do. The environmental case is clear, the fire safety case is clear, and in many states the legal case is clear too. The main barrier is convenience, and that barrier is lower than most people think. With Call2Recycle drop off bins in thousands of retail locations and municipal hazardous waste facilities in every county, there is a recycling option within a short drive of almost everyone. The next time you replace the batteries in your solar lights, take five minutes to find your nearest drop off and make it a habit. Your sanitation workers, your landfill, and your groundwater will all be better off.
