New Rechargeable Battery Disposal Ban to take effect

Starting July 1, 2025, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries will be prohibited from disposal in New Hampshire’s landfills and incinerators. Lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide variety of consumer products, including: 

• Automotive vehicles. 
• Electric bikes and scooters. 
• Lawncare equipment. 
• Portable electronics such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, wireless headphones, speakers, toothbrushes and other rechargeable electronic devices. 
• Cordless power tools. 
• Toys. 

Why is there a disposal ban?

Lithium-ion batteries contain hazardous metals and can pose safety hazards when improperly managed. When crushed or damaged in any way, they can ignite – causing intense fires. For these reasons, lithium-ion batteries should never be put in the trash or curbside recycling bin! Lithium-ion batteries have become a leading cause of fires for trash haulers and waste management facilities. A recent report by the National Waste and Recycling Association estimates that each year more than 5,000 fires occur at waste management facilities nationwide, many likely caused by lithium-ion batteries. Fires are not only a safety hazard to waste staff and the public; they also can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages to expensive equipment and buildings.  

In an effort to reduce the safety risks associated with improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries, New Hampshire State Rep. Karen Ebel introduced HB 1386, which proposed to add such batteries to the list of wastes already banned from disposal. The bill gained the support of the New Hampshire Solid Waste Working Group, industry experts, waste haulers and municipalities, and was signed into law by Governor Sununu.

Who does the ban apply to?

Starting July 2025, households and businesses must recycle their lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries must be recycled through special battery collection programs – never mixed with regular recyclables.

Where can I recycle my lithium-ion batteries?

Many New Hampshire municipalities and businesses, like Staples, Best Buy or BatteriesPlus offer collection boxes for recycling rechargeable batteries. To find a drop-off site nearest to you, contact your local transfer station, check Call2Recycle.org, or visit one of the retail locations mentioned above. Remember – if it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable! 

To learn more about how to manage different types of batteries, visit the Battery section of the NHDES Managing My Waste webpage. 

Questions? Need help identifying a battery?

Residents should contact their local transfer station or the NHDES Household Hazardous Waste Program via email at hhw@des.nh.gov or by phone at (603) 271-2047. Businesses should contact the Hazardous Waste Helpline at 1-866-HAZ-WAST.