Before recycling batteries, identify the battery type, separate batteries by chemistry and condition, protect exposed terminals when required, and package everything securely. EACR Inc. offers battery recycling services for businesses, organizations, and other facilities that need pickup, drop-off, container, or mail-in options.
Step 1: Inventory and Identify Your Batteries
Check the Battery Label
Check the battery label before packaging so you know what type you are handling.
Common battery types include:
- Lithium-ion
- Lithium
- Ni-Cd
- NiMH
- SSLA
- Alkaline
- Soft-sided batteries
- Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries
Separate Unknown Batteries
If you cannot identify the battery chemistry, keep it separate from the rest of the collection.
Confirm your battery type with EACR Inc. before packaging or transporting it.
Step 2: Separate Batteries by Chemistry and Condition
Separate batteries before packaging:
- Lithium batteries from other chemistries
- Lead-acid batteries from other batteries
- Intact batteries from damaged batteries
- Soft-sided batteries from rigid batteries
- Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries from normal batteries
Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries
Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries require special handling and should not be packaged or shipped with intact batteries.
Corroded or leaking alkaline batteries are not automatically considered damaged or defective batteries.
Step 3: Protect the Battery Terminals
Used batteries can still hold enough energy to spark or short circuit if their terminals touch metal or other batteries.
Option 1: Bag Each Battery
Bagging each battery is the preferred method.
You can use:
- Clear battery bags
- Zip-seal bags
- Produce bags
- Newspaper bags
- Bubble-wrap bags
Soft-sided batteries require bubble-wrap bags.
Option 2: Tape the Terminals
You can also protect exposed terminals with:
- Clear packing tape
- Electrical tape
- Duct tape
Avoid:
- Masking tape
- Painter’s tape
- Scotch tape
These tapes can loosen or fall off during handling or transportation.
If you use opaque tape, keep the battery brand, chemistry, and other identifying information visible.
Step 4: Know Which Batteries Need Terminal Protection
| Battery Type | Terminal Protection |
| Lithium-ion | Required |
| Lithium batteries | Required |
| Ni-Cd | Required |
| NiMH | Required |
| SSLA | Required |
| Soft-sided batteries | Bag individually in bubble-wrap bags |
| Standard alkaline | Generally not required |
| Alkaline marked “Lithium” | Required |
| DDR batteries | Special handling required |
Step 5: Package Batteries Securely
- Use sturdy packaging or an approved collection container.
- Keep batteries from moving freely inside the container.
- Keep protected terminals from contacting metal.
- Keep damaged batteries separated from intact batteries.
- Protect soft-sided batteries from punctures, crushing, and impact.
Step 6: Choose a Battery Recycling Option
Battery Pickup
Battery pickup works well for larger quantities, businesses, schools, municipalities, warehouses, and recurring battery collections.
Facility Drop-Off
Approved batteries can be brought directly to EACR Inc.’s Lakewood, New Jersey facility after confirming acceptance and drop-off requirements.
E-Waste Collection Containers
E-waste collection containers are useful for organizations that accumulate batteries and other approved electronics over time.
Mail-In Recycling
Mail-in recycling may be available for qualifying batteries based on chemistry, condition, quantity, packaging, and transportation requirements.
Step 7: Apply the Correct Battery Shipping Labels
If batteries will be shipped by mail or commercial carrier, required markings can depend on the battery chemistry, condition, quantity, packaging, and transportation method.
Review EACR Inc.’s battery shipping labels page before shipping batteries.
A shipping label alone does not make a battery shipment compliant. Packaging, terminal protection, documentation, carrier requirements, and other transportation rules may also apply.
Battery Recycling Preparation Checklist
- ☐ Identify the battery chemistry
- ☐ Separate batteries by chemistry
- ☐ Separate damaged batteries
- ☐ Bag or tape terminals when required
- ☐ Use bubble-wrap bags for soft-sided batteries
- ☐ Package batteries securely
- ☐ Choose pickup, drop-off, container, or mail-in service
- ☐ Apply required shipping labels before transportation
Recycle Your Batteries With EACR Inc.
Once your batteries are identified, separated, protected, and packaged, EACR Inc. can help you choose the appropriate recycling option.
Request a battery recycling quote or confirm your battery type before scheduling a pickup, drop-off, container, or mail-in service.
