Skip to Main Content University Library LibGuides

Battery Recycling

Information on battery recycling options for individuals and businesses, including University of Illinois departments

Options for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign departments

The University of Illinois does not coordinate or pay for battery recycling for campus departments. If your department has a small number of batteries to recycle, use one of the local options listed. For larger quantities, your department can purchase battery recycling containers from Call2Recycle (https://www.call2recycle.org/store/​). Remember that Illinois law requires that the battery terminals are taped on both rechargable and single use batteries prior to recycling. Alkaline battery terminals DO NOT need to be taped.

Collection programs for businesses

Most local drop-off sites only accept household quantities of batteries. If your organization or business wants to offer battery recycling, one option is to partner with Call2Recycle. They offer a simple compliance solution for organizations subject to legal diversion requirements and as well as turnkey, yet flexible options for collection sites to ship in boxes or in bulk.

Cirba Solutions also sells kits, collection tubes, and damaged battery kits, which include prepaid shipping and recycling services.

ISTC's staff has worked with Interstate Batteries to recycle large quantities of various battery types. For more information, see Interstate Batteries Recycling page, which includes a contact form you can fill out to receive information targeted toward your specific situation and location.