Select Your Battery Type to Learn How to Manage It:
The images below represent three battery types. There may be batteries that fit into these categories that are not shown. Read your battery to determine if it is single-use or rechargeable. Smaller button/coin batteries may not be labeled, but they are all single-use batteries.
Lithium
If your single-use battery is labeled with the word “lithium”, do NOT put it in your trash or recycling bins. Lithium batteries contain hazardous materials. Battery terminals that touch metal or other batteries can spark and cause a fire.
Alkaline
These batteries come in various shapes and sizes. Be sure to read the battery to confirm it is an alkaline.
Button/Coin
These batteries are shaped like coins or buttons.
Not sure what kind of battery you have?
Check out the information below!
What do single-use batteries typically look like?
Single-use batteries can have various shapes and sizes. The most common shape is cylindrical (e.g., AA, AAA, C and D batteries). They can also appear in rectangular shapes (e.g., 6-volt and 9-volt) and button or coin shapes.
Labels you might find
The shape of a battery does not indicate what it is made of or how it functions. Reading the label is the best way to determine what type of battery you have.
Labels you might find on a single-use battery include alkaline, silver oxide, zinc-air, zinc-carbon, zinc-chloride or lithium (NOT lithium-ion or Li-ion, which are rechargeable).
Still not sure? Contact OCRRA. If possible, e-mail us a photo for help.
Single-use batteries can be found in:
Are you managing batteries on behalf of a business?
The information above is primarily for residents of Onondaga County who are managing household batteries. Click “learn more” below to explore battery disposal options and resources for businesses.
Still not sure what type of battery you have?
Return to the main battery management page to explore other battery types and management information.
Need some help?
Contact us!
