Energizer

Proper disposal, storage, care and handling of your batteries.

Does storing a battery in the refrigerator help extend its life? Learn some helpful tips on the best way to store, handle and care for your batteries, whether at home or on the road.

Do’s

  • Do keep batteries, especially small and coin lithium batteries and the devices that use them, out of reach of children. If swallowed, coin lithium battery batteries can get stuck in a child’s esophagus where they can cause serious injury in less than two hours. Visit Coin Lithium Battery Safety page to learn more.
  • Do help Energizer drive awareness of the risks associated with ingesting 20-millimeter, coin lithium batteries when swallowed. Visit our Coin Lithium Battery Safety page or call Energizer Customer Support (1-800-383-7323) to learn more.
    IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD HAS SWALLOWED A COIN LITHIUM BATTERY, TAKE HIM OR HER TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY AND FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

    1. Tell doctors and nurses it might be a coin lithium battery.

    2. Provide the medical team with the identification number from the battery’s package if possible.

    3. Do not let the child eat or drink until an X-ray determines if a battery is present.

    4. Do not induce vomiting.

    5. Contact the National Battery Ingestion Hotline for more information: www.poison.org/battery or 202-625-3333
  • DO read the instructions on your device before installing batteries. Only use the size and type of battery specified in the instructions.
  • DO insert the batteries properly. Follow the symbols showing the correct way to position the positive (+) and negative (-) ends of the batteries.
  • DO keep battery contact surfaces clean by gently rubbing with a clean pencil eraser or cloth.
  • DO immediately remove exhausted batteries from your device and dispose of properly.
  • DO remove all batteries from the device at the same time and replace them with new batteries of the same size and type.
  • DO preserve battery life by switching off a device and removing the batteries when it’s not being used, and is not expected to be used for extended periods of time.
  • DO practice proper battery storage by keeping batteries in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature. It’s not necessary to store batteries in a refrigerator.

Don’ts

  • DON’T dispose of batteries in a fire — they may leak or rupture.
  • DON’T disassemble, crush, puncture, or otherwise damage batteries. This can result in leakage or rupture.
  • DON’T carry loose batteries in a pocket or purse with metal objects like coins, paper clips, etc. This can short-circuit the battery, leading to high heat or leakage.
  • DON’T recharge a battery unless it is specifically marked “rechargeable.” Attempting to recharge a non-rechargeable (primary) battery could result in leakage or rupture. Don’t use rechargeable alkaline batteries in nickel metal hydride battery chargers.
  • DON’T store batteries or battery-powered devices in hot places — elevated temperatures can lead to capacity loss, leakage or rupture.
  • DON’T mix old and new batteries, or mix different types or makes of batteries. This can cause leakage or rupture, resulting in personal injury or property damage.
  • DON’T give batteries to young children.

How does proper or improper charging or storage impact the life of rechargeable batteries? Learn some helpful tips on the best way to store, handle and care for your rechargeable batteries, whether at home, work or at play.

Dos

  • DO follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully for battery storage and care, and don’t overcharge batteries.
  • DO charge your battery at room temperature (68°F to 72°F) to extend battery life. Batteries get warm during charging and use—this is normal. As a precaution, most batteries and chargers are designed to protect against overheating.
  • DO remember to recharge your battery a few hours before you want to use it. Rechargeable batteries lose a percentage of their charge each day when left off the charger.
  • DO keep battery contact surfaces clean by gently rubbing with a clean pencil eraser, cloth or rubbing alcohol. Dirty contact points are a primary source of charging challenges.
  • DO use only chargers designed for your type of batteries. If unsure about compatibility, contact the product manufacturer.

Don’ts

  • DON’T leave your rechargeable batteries discharged or unused for extended periods of time. To extend battery life, charge them at least every 6-9 months.
  • DON’T recharge a battery unless it is specifically marked “rechargeable.” Attempting to recharge a primary (non-rechargeable) battery could result in leakage or rupture.
  • DON’T use rechargeable batteries in chargers that are not designed for the specific battery type.

Is there a right way and a wrong way to travel with batteries? Learn some helpful tips on the best way to store, handle and care for your batteries when traveling.

Planning a trip? You don’t need to leave your batteries at home. Batteries and battery-powered devices are safe to fly with if you follow these simple guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation:

  • Pack spare batteries in carry-on baggage. In the passenger compartment, flight crews can better monitor safety conditions to prevent an incident, and can access fire extinguishers, if an incident does happen.
  • Keep spare batteries in the original retail packaging, to prevent unintentional activation or short-circuiting.
  • For loose batteries, place a strip of insulated tape across the battery’s contacts or place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag or package to protect them from contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.
  • Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.

Per the U.S. Department of Transportation, “batteries pose little risk contained in the devices they power and that taking the battery out of the device does not enhance safety.”

For additional information and the latest in battery and battery-powered device transportation, please visit httpss://safetravel.dot.gov/.

Although it’s often safe to dispose of used batteries via your normal waste management process, Energizer encourages everyone to recycle their batteries – it’s simply the responsible thing to do. That’s why we’re partnering with important organizations like Call2Recycle for information on recycling single-use batteries and for recycling rechargeable batteries.

Disposal in the U.S.
As a first step, please determine the type of battery you have and then determine the appropriate disposal method. Note that regulations may vary in your municipality or state so please check your local regulations. If you’re a business disposing of a large quantity of button cell batteries, please contact Energizer’s Customer Service Line at 800-383-7323 or email us.

We highly recommend you visit Call2Recycle® for information on recycling rechargeable batteries.

Resources to keep handy
Visit Call2Recycle® at www.call2recycle.org

Although it’s often safe to dispose of used batteries via your normal waste management process, Energizer encourages everyone to recycle their batteries – it’s simply the responsible thing to do. That’s why we’re partnering with important organizations like Call2Recycle for information on recycling single-use batteries.

We encourage you to recycle these types of batteries through the Call2Recycle® program

Recycling is a positive alternative.

Please do the responsible thing.

Energizer strongly recommends proper disposal and recycling of all batteries.

For more information on how to safely and responsibly dispose of your used single-use and rechargeable batteries, please visit two organizations that Energizer is proud to partner with:
Call2Recycle