AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V alkaline batteries only.
ResQ Bins are for single-use household alkaline batteries in the most common sizes. Please do not place button cells, lithium batteries, rechargeable batteries, power tool batteries, vape batteries, or e-waste in ResQ Bins.
Only these household alkaline batteries.
To keep ResQ Bins safe, simple, and easy for host locations to manage, we only accept the common household alkaline sizes listed below.
AA and AAA
Single-use alkaline AA and AAA batteries from everyday household devices.
C and D
Single-use alkaline C and D batteries from flashlights, toys, radios, and household items.
9V
Single-use alkaline 9V batteries. Best practice: tape the terminals before drop-off.
Tape the ends before drop-off.
Best practice is to tape the terminals of dead single-use alkaline batteries with electrical tape, then place them into a plastic bag before drop-off.
- Tape battery terminals, especially 9V batteries.
- Bag batteries before bringing them to a drop-off location.
- Keep damaged, leaking, hot, or swollen batteries out of ResQ Bins.
- When in doubt, do not place it in the bin.
Do not put these in ResQ Bins.
ResQ Bins are not general battery or e-waste bins. These items require different handling or should be routed to the next e-waste drop-off starting in October 2026.
No Button Cells
No coin cells or button batteries. Even if a button cell appears to be alkaline, leave it out to keep the program simple and safe.
No Lithium or Rechargeable
No lithium-ion, lithium primary, NiCd, NiMH, lead-acid, vape batteries, power tool batteries, or rechargeable packs.
No E-Waste
No phones, laptops, chargers, power banks, earbuds, vapes, toys, electronics, cords, or devices.
Before you drop off, ask three questions.
If the answer to all three is yes, it likely belongs in a ResQ Bin. If not, keep it out and check the next e-waste event.
- Is it AA, AAA, C, D, or 9V?
- Is it single-use alkaline?
- Is it undamaged, not leaking, not swollen, and not hot?
Check the next e-waste drop-off.
If you have lithium batteries, rechargeable batteries, button cells, damaged batteries, mixed batteries, or battery-powered devices, do not place them in a ResQ Bin. Check for the next ResQ e-waste drop-off starting in October 2026.
Bring the right batteries to the right bin.
ResQ Bins are built for one clear purpose: collecting AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V single-use alkaline batteries from households and everyday users.
Did you know?
Household AA, AAA, C, and D “batteries” are actually single cells. A true battery contains multiple cells connected together (like a 9V, which has 6–8 cells inside).
Non-Alkaline Battery Recycling Guidance
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Call2Recycle Locator - A trusted resource for finding drop-off points for rechargeable and single-use batteries.
U.S. EPA Battery Recycling Guide - Provides information on safe battery disposal and recycling options.
Earth911 Recycling Search - A comprehensive tool to find local recycling centers for various battery types.
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ResQ does not accept non-alkaline batteries (e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal-hydride, or lead-acid). We provide these external links for your convenience and do not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for the services, locations, or practices of these third-party organizations. Please contact the recycling facility directly to confirm their acceptance policies, hours, and any specific requirements (e.g., taping battery terminals or weight limits).
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ResQ is not liable for any issues, damages, or consequences arising from the use of third-party recycling services or drop-off locations. Always handle and transport batteries safely, following local regulations and guidelines to prevent risks such as fires or leaks.
Essential Battery Wisdom
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