Non-rechargeable and alkaline household batteries may be discarded with regular trash.

However, it is illegal to put rechargeable batteries in your trash or recycling. This includes batteries from laptops, cell phones, and digital cameras.

If you need to get rid of rechargeable batteries, you can:

• Drop them off at a Special Waste Disposal site
• Bring them to a store that sells rechargeable batteries or products containing them

All stores in New York State that sell rechargeable batteries or products containing them must accept rechargeable batteries for recycling. No purchase is necessary.

These types of stores include:

• Hardware stores
• Office supply stores
• Drugstores
• Electronics stores

Food stores with less than 14,000 square feet are exceptions and do not need to accept batteries.

Learn more about throwing out rechargeable batteries.