Dead device.
Live battery.

A “dead” device can still start a fire

When a small electronic device stops working, the easiest instinct is to toss it in the trash or recycling bin. Lithium-ion batteries make both choices risky. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them should go to a separate battery-recycling or household-hazardous-waste collection point—not into household garbage or municipal recycling. [1]

The problem often appears after collection. Trash compactors, sorting equipment and transportation can crush or puncture a battery. A damaged cell can heat rapidly, ignite nearby material and create a fire in a truck, transfer station, landfill or recycling facility. The familiar chasing-arrows symbol on a battery means it may be recyclable through a specialized program; it does not mean it belongs in a curbside bin. [2]

Some devices combine two waste hazards

EPA’s guidance for individuals specifically addresses e-cigarettes because they combine a lithium battery with nicotine residue. The agency says these devices should not go in household trash or recycling: damaged batteries can cause fires, while nicotine can expose workers and enter the environment. EPA directs individuals to a household hazardous waste collection site. [1]

That does not mean every local program accepts every device in the same way. Collection rules can differ, so confirm acceptance with the facility before making the trip—especially for a leaking, swollen, hot or otherwise damaged item.

Prepare ordinary batteries and devices for transport

For an intact removable lithium-ion battery, EPA recommends covering exposed terminals with non-conductive tape, such as electrical tape, or placing each battery in its own plastic bag. That prevents the terminals from touching metal or another battery and short-circuiting. A device with an embedded battery can also be placed in its own bag for transport. [2]

Do not pry apart a product just to reach a battery that was not designed for easy removal. EPA’s 2026 collection guidance warns that trying to pull out an embedded battery can itself cause a fire. Keep the item away from heat, water and direct sun while you arrange proper disposal. [3]

A damaged battery needs extra caution

Stop using a lithium-battery device if you notice excessive heat, swelling, leaking, an unusual odor, discoloration or odd noises. The U.S. Fire Administration lists those as warning signs and advises keeping lithium-ion batteries out of trash and direct sunlight or hot cars. [4]

Do not mail, transport or place a visibly damaged battery into a routine collection box without instructions. Contact the local household hazardous waste program and describe the condition first. If a device is actively smoking, sparking or burning, move away, call 911 and follow emergency instructions rather than trying to package it yourself.

A Fort Bend County starting point

The Fort Bend County Recycling Center and Household Hazardous Waste facility serves county residents at 1200 Blume Road in Rosenberg. Its current accepted-materials page lists batteries other than alkaline batteries, and its main page says the center is for residential use only—not business, commercial or agricultural waste. [5] [6]

The county page lists regular hours of 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday, with closures on Wednesdays and holidays. Because the published list does not specifically name every type of battery-containing device, call 281-633-7581 before visiting to confirm that the facility accepts the exact item and its condition. Check the county page again for holiday closures and current instructions.

A 60-second disposal checklist

• Do not bin it: keep lithium-battery devices out of household trash.
• Do not curbside-recycle it: ordinary sorting systems are not designed for loose batteries.
• Check the condition: heat, swelling, leaking, odor or noise requires extra caution.
• Do not force it apart: leave embedded batteries in place.
• Isolate terminals: tape exposed contacts or bag intact removable batteries separately.
• Confirm first: ask the collection facility about the exact device and its condition.

A device can be out of power and still contain stored energy. Keeping it out of ordinary trash and recycling protects collection workers, equipment and the local waste stream.