Button Cell Batteries - Burbank Recycling Guide

For identifying battery types and storage tips, check out our Battery page.

Button (a.k.a. coin cell) batteries are small dime-like discs commonly used in products like watches, car remotes, bathroom scales, and hearing aids. They primarily come in both lithium and alkaline (there are also silver oxide, although not as common). The lithium are clearly marked as such and last longer, while the alkaline are not marked and have a shorter life.

They are safe to use, however, retired coin cell batteries do require special handling in order to store, transport and drop off for special recycling.

Their small size make them a danger to children if swallowed! Please ensure they are stored properly.

Drop off at a S.A.F.E. Collection Center or the Burbank Recycle Center (note: only Burbank residents can drop off at Burbank Recycle Center).

Disposal Instructions
Batteries can start fires when their terminals are allowed to touch, so put electrical tape on each battery terminal. Next, place batteries into a Ziploc bag and bring it to a battery collection program.

For rechargeable batteries, additional drop off options can be found at www.call2recycle.org. Please do not put single use batteries in these collection bins.

More information on button cell batteries.

Never Throw in the Trash

Button batteries sometimes contain mercury. Even if they don’t, they are banned from the trash because they contain other toxic and corrosive chemicals. Dispose of them as hazardous waste.

Alternative Ways to Recycle

Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program

Best Buy will take back rechargeable batteries as well as the following: battery backups (ups), button batteries, cellphone batteries and laptop batteries. They do not accept single-use, car or other wet cell batteries. Find out more.

The Battery Solutions Recycling Program

Battery Solutions offers battery recycling kits and services to businesses, municipalities and residences. Their programs aim to help people recycle their batteries properly and conveniently. Learn more.

The Big Green Box Battery Recycling Program

The Big Green Box is a mail-in battery recycling program for both residences and businesses. Their system is simple: order a box, fill it up with your used batteries and then ship it back to the company’s EPA-approved recycling center. Learn more.

Did You Know?

Why Is Mercury Still in Batteries?

Mercury is included in batteries for a reason: It’s used as a stabilizer and gives batteries a longer life. In 1996, the Mercury Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act prohibited the sale of mercury-oxide batteries in the U.S., except for select applications.