Proper battery storage helps reduce the risk of short circuits, leaks, overheating, and premature discharge. Batteries should generally be kept in a cool, dry place at room temperature, with their terminals protected and different battery types kept organized.
Why Proper Battery Storage Matters
Improper storage can expose batteries to heat, moisture, physical damage, or accidental electrical contact. These conditions can shorten battery life and increase the risk of leaking, corrosion, short circuits, or overheating.
Following a few basic storage practices can help keep batteries protected until they are ready to be used or recycled.
How to Properly Store Different Types of Batteries
1. Store Batteries in a Cool, Dry Place
Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry location at normal room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and areas that experience large temperature changes.
Good storage locations can include a dry cabinet, closet, drawer, or other temperature-stable area away from heaters, ovens, radiators, and similar heat sources.
Moisture can damage battery components and create additional safety concerns, so it is also important to understand what happens when batteries get wet before storing batteries in garages, basements, or other potentially damp environments.
Should batteries be stored in the refrigerator? No. Batteries generally should not be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. Cold environments can introduce condensation and moisture, while extreme temperatures can affect battery performance.
2. Keep Batteries in Their Original Packaging
Whenever possible, keep unused batteries in their original packaging until they are needed.
Original packaging helps:
- Keep individual batteries separated
- Protect exposed terminals
- Reduce accidental contact with metal objects
- Keep battery types organized
- Preserve identifying information and expiration dates
If the original packaging is no longer available, use a battery organizer or another suitable container that keeps batteries separated and secure.
3. Protect Battery Terminals
Battery terminals should not be allowed to contact each other or conductive materials such as coins, keys, paper clips, tools, or other metal objects.
Electrical contact between terminals can create a short circuit, potentially causing the battery to heat up, leak, rupture, or become damaged.
Loose batteries should be stored in separate compartments, suitable packaging, or containers that prevent terminal contact.
Be Extra Careful With 9V Batteries
9V batteries require additional attention because the positive and negative terminals are located next to each other on the same end of the battery.
A conductive object touching both terminals can create a short circuit. When storing loose 9V batteries, keep them individually separated and protect exposed terminals with suitable non-conductive tape when appropriate.
4. Separate Batteries by Type, Age, and Condition
Keep batteries organized rather than storing every battery together in one container.
Separate:
- New batteries from used batteries
- Different battery chemistries
- Rechargeable batteries from non-rechargeable batteries
- Damaged batteries from usable batteries
- Leaking or swollen batteries from batteries in good condition
When replacing batteries in a device, use batteries of the same size, type, chemistry, and similar condition whenever possible. Avoid mixing old and new batteries in the same device.
5. Remove Batteries From Devices That Will Not Be Used
Batteries should generally be removed from devices that will remain unused for an extended period. This can help reduce the risk of battery leakage or corrosion damaging the device while it sits in storage.
Consider removing batteries from:
- Flashlights
- Holiday decorations
- Remote controls
- Toys
- Seasonal electronics
- Emergency equipment
- Devices being placed into long-term storage
Devices that are used regularly can generally keep their batteries installed as long as the batteries remain in good condition.
6. Store Rechargeable Batteries According to Their Chemistry
Rechargeable batteries can have different storage requirements depending on their chemistry. Follow the battery or device manufacturer’s recommendations for extended storage whenever they are available.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
For long-term storage, follow the manufacturer’s recommended state of charge rather than assuming the battery should always be completely full or completely discharged.
Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries should also be kept in a cool, dry location.
Rechargeable batteries gradually lose charge while unused, so stored NiMH batteries may need to be recharged periodically before they are put back into service.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries should be maintained at an appropriate charge level during storage. Allowing a lead-acid battery to remain deeply discharged for an extended period can reduce its service life.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging and maintenance recommendations for long-term storage.
7. Keep Batteries Away From Children
Store batteries where children cannot reach or access them.
Button and coin batteries require particular caution because their small size makes them easy to swallow and potentially dangerous if ingested.
Store batteries:
- In secured containers
- In locked cabinets when appropriate
- Out of sight and reach of children
- Away from countertops, tables, floors, or other easily accessible surfaces
8. Inspect Stored Batteries for Damage
Check stored batteries periodically and inspect them before placing them into a device.
Signs that a battery may be damaged include:
- Leaking
- Corrosion
- Swelling or bulging
- Cracks or physical damage
- Unexpected heat
- A strong or unusual odor
Do not continue using a battery that shows signs of damage. Damaged batteries should be separated from usable batteries and handled according to their chemistry and condition.
9. Check Battery Expiration Dates and Use Older Batteries First
Batteries gradually lose charge even when they are not being used. Storage life can vary based on battery chemistry, age, temperature, state of charge, and manufacturer specifications.
Check battery expiration dates when they are available and use older batteries before newer ones.
A simple first-in, first-out system can help. Place newly purchased batteries behind older batteries so batteries that have been stored the longest are used first.
10. Avoid Common Battery Storage Mistakes
When storing batteries:
- Don’t store loose batteries with coins, keys, tools, or other metal objects
- Don’t expose batteries to excessive heat or direct sunlight
- Don’t store batteries in wet or highly humid conditions
- Don’t crush, puncture, or disassemble batteries
- Don’t mix old and new batteries in the same device
- Don’t mix different battery chemistries in the same device
- Don’t recharge batteries unless they are designed to be rechargeable
- Don’t store damaged batteries with usable batteries
- Don’t leave small batteries within reach of children
Handle Lithium-Ion Batteries Carefully Before Recycling
Proper handling remains important after a lithium-ion battery is no longer being used.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them should not be placed in household garbage or municipal recycling bins. These batteries can create fire risks during transportation and waste or recycling operations.
Lithium-ion batteries should instead be taken to an appropriate battery recycling or household hazardous waste collection location. The U.S. EPA also recommends protecting exposed battery terminals with non-conductive tape or placing individual batteries in separate plastic bags to help prevent short circuits before recycling.
What Should You Do With Old or Damaged Batteries?
Old, expired, leaking, swollen, or otherwise damaged batteries should be separated from usable batteries and handled according to their chemistry, condition, and applicable local requirements.
Battery disposal and recycling requirements can vary depending on the battery type and where it is being managed.
Businesses and organizations managing used, expired, or damaged batteries can explore EACR’s battery recycling services for appropriate recycling options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Battery Storage
Can Batteries Touch Each Other in Storage?
Batteries can be stored near each other, but they should be arranged so their terminals cannot create an electrical connection. Original packaging or a battery organizer with separate compartments can help prevent accidental terminal contact.
Is It Safe to Store Batteries in a Plastic Container?
Yes. A suitable plastic battery organizer or storage container can be a practical option as long as the batteries remain organized and their terminals cannot contact each other or conductive objects.
Should You Tape Battery Terminals Before Storage?
Terminal protection can be appropriate for loose batteries when there is a risk of contact with other batteries or metal objects. 9V batteries require particular attention because both terminals are positioned next to each other on the same end.
Can Batteries Be Stored in a Garage?
A garage may not be a good battery storage location if it experiences excessive heat, freezing temperatures, large temperature swings, or high humidity. A cool, dry, temperature-stable indoor location is generally preferable.
Can Batteries Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
No. Batteries generally do not need to be refrigerated. Refrigerators can expose batteries to condensation and moisture, while a cool, dry location at normal room temperature is typically more appropriate.
Should Rechargeable Batteries Be Stored Fully Charged?
Not necessarily. The appropriate storage charge depends on the battery chemistry. Lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid, and other rechargeable batteries can have different storage requirements, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific battery.
What Should I Do With a Leaking Battery?
Do not continue using a leaking battery. Keep it separated from other batteries and follow the appropriate handling, cleanup, and recycling guidance for that battery chemistry.