Staples runs the largest retail battery recycling program in the US, accepting all common consumer batteries free of charge at every store location since 2009. The program is open to anyone (not just Staples customers), has no purchase requirement, and accepts both rechargeable and single-use batteries. As of 2026, Staples has recycled over 12 million pounds of batteries through Call2Recycle, the partner non-profit that handles processing.
What Staples accepts (USA, all locations)
| Battery type | Accepted? | Limit per visit | Notes |
|---|
| Alkaline (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V) | YES | 10 per visit | Tape both terminals with electrical tape if voltage above 9V |
| Lithium-ion (laptop, phone, power tool) | YES | 5 per visit | Tape contacts; remove from devices if possible |
| NiMH (rechargeable AA, AAA) | YES | 10 per visit | Standard drop-off bin |
| NiCad (older rechargeable) | YES | 10 per visit | Older but still accepted under Call2Recycle program |
| Button cell (watch, hearing aid) | YES | 25 per visit | Tape lithium button cells |
| Sealed lead-acid (UPS, alarm system) | YES | 1-2 per visit | Larger batteries; some stores require staff-assisted drop-off |
| Power tool battery packs | YES | 5 per visit | All major brands (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, etc.) |
| Car battery (12V lead-acid) | NO | - | Take to AutoZone, O'Reilly, or scrap yard - they pay $5-$15 buyback |
| Smoke detector batteries | YES if 9V | 10 per visit | Standard 9V batteries accepted |
| Damaged or swollen batteries | NO | - | Take to County HHW facility - dangerous to ship through Staples program |
Why Staples runs this program
Staples partners with Call2Recycle (the largest battery recycling non-profit in North America) and contributes to:
- 30,000+ collection sites across US (Staples is the largest single retailer)
- 12 million+ lbs of batteries collected since 2009 (program inception)
- Battery materials separated into nickel, lithium, lead, cobalt, manganese
- Material returned to battery + electronics manufacturers as recycled content
Staples earns environmental credits and customer loyalty through the program. The recycling itself is funded by battery manufacturers under EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) laws in 9 US states.
How to prepare batteries for Staples drop-off
- Lithium batteries: cover terminals with electrical tape or clear packing tape
- 9V batteries: cover both terminals with tape (they can spark in a bin of mixed batteries)
- Damaged or swollen: do NOT bring to Staples - take to County HHW instead
- Larger lead-acid: call ahead for store policy (some require staff-assisted drop-off)
- Bring in a paper bag or small box: makes it easier to drop in the collection bin
- Don't include: car batteries (12V), batteries from medical devices (separate stream)
Where Staples collection bins are located
The Call2Recycle drop-off bin is typically located:
- Near the customer service desk
- By the entrance/exit
- At the end of the printing/copying counter
- In some larger stores, in a dedicated recycling kiosk
If you can't find it, ask any staff member - they're trained on the program.
What happens to the batteries after collection
- Staples bulk-ships collected batteries to Call2Recycle regional facilities (weekly or monthly depending on volume)
- Sorted by chemistry (alkaline, lithium-ion, lead-acid, NiMH, NiCad separately)
- Shredded and processed to extract metals (nickel, cobalt, lithium, lead, manganese)
- Returned to manufacturers as recycled content for new batteries + electronics
- Some plastic + electrolyte sent to specialized recyclers or controlled disposal
US battery recycling rates by chemistry (per Call2Recycle 2024 data):
- Rechargeable batteries: 95% recycled
- Lead-acid (mostly car batteries): 99% recycled
- Alkaline: 25-40% recycled (much lower because most state laws don't mandate)
- Lithium-ion (rechargeable): 90% recycled
- Lithium primary (single-use): 60% recycled
While Staples has the largest free program, these also accept:
| Retailer | What they accept | Notes |
|---|
| Best Buy | All consumer batteries | Kiosk at every entrance, max 3 per day |
| Home Depot | Rechargeable batteries only | Bin in entrance recycling station |
| Lowe's | Rechargeable batteries only | Bin in entrance |
| Batteries Plus / Batteries+Bulbs | All consumer batteries | Some stores charge $1-$5 for non-customers |
| Whole Foods | Some - varies by location | Call ahead |
| REI | All consumer batteries | All US stores |
| Office Depot | All consumer batteries | All US stores |
If a Staples is far from you, check the Call2Recycle finder at call2recycle.org/locator.
What batteries CANNOT go to Staples
- 12V automotive batteries (car, truck, motorcycle) - take to AutoZone/O'Reilly/scrap yard for $5-$15 buyback
- Marine deep-cycle batteries - same as car batteries
- Damaged or swollen lithium batteries - HHW only (fire risk in transport)
- Pacemaker batteries + medical implant batteries - take to hospital biomedical waste
- Industrial / commercial lead-acid (forklift batteries) - specialized lead-acid recycler
- Cell phones, laptops, devices with batteries still installed - separate program (Staples does NOT take whole devices in the battery bin)
State + federal regulations
- 9 US states have mandatory battery EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): CA, CT, FL, ME, MD, MN, NY, RI, VT
- Federal Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act (1996) requires manufacturers to fund recycling programs for rechargeable batteries
- DOT 49 CFR 173.220 governs lithium battery shipping (Staples ships under partial regulation)
- EPA Universal Waste Rule (40 CFR Part 273) classifies batteries as universal waste
Cost of battery disposal (US, May 2026)
- Staples drop-off: free
- Best Buy: free
- Home Depot / Lowe's: free for rechargeable
- Batteries Plus: free for customers, $1-$5 for non-customers
- County HHW: free
- AutoZone car battery: $5-$15 BUYBACK (they pay you)
- Scrap yard car battery: $5-$25 per 50-lb battery
Sources
- Call2Recycle 2024 annual recycling statistics
- Staples Corporate Sustainability Report
- 9 state EPR laws cited above
- Federal Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act
- DOT 49 CFR 173.220 (lithium battery shipping regulations)
Last verified: 2026-05-23. Staples program rules + accepted battery types updated annually. Verify with local Staples store before high-volume drop-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Staples recycle batteries for free?
Yes - every US Staples store accepts batteries free of charge through the Call2Recycle program (since 2009). No purchase required, anyone can drop off. Accepts AAA, AA, C, D, 9V, lithium-ion, NiMH, NiCad, button cell, sealed lead-acid (small), and power tool battery packs. Limit 10 batteries per visit for most types.
What batteries does Staples NOT accept?
12V automotive (car/truck/motorcycle) batteries - take to AutoZone, O'Reilly, or scrap yard for $5-$15 buyback instead. Damaged or swollen lithium batteries - take to County HHW (fire risk). Pacemaker/medical implant batteries - hospital biomedical waste. Industrial/commercial forklift batteries - specialized lead-acid recycler.
How do I prepare batteries for Staples drop-off?
Cover terminals of lithium batteries and 9V batteries with electrical or clear packing tape (prevents sparking in mixed bin). Damaged or swollen batteries: do NOT bring to Staples - take to HHW. Don't include car batteries, medical device batteries, or whole devices. Bring in a paper bag or small box for easy bin drop.
Where is the Staples battery recycling bin?
Typically located near the customer service desk, by the entrance/exit, at the end of the printing/copying counter, or in a dedicated recycling kiosk in larger stores. If you can't find it, ask any staff member - they're trained on the program.
What happens to batteries after Staples collects them?
Staples ships collected batteries to Call2Recycle regional facilities. Sorted by chemistry, shredded and processed to extract metals (nickel, cobalt, lithium, lead, manganese), returned to manufacturers as recycled content. US recycling rates per Call2Recycle 2024: rechargeable 95%, lead-acid 99%, alkaline 25-40%, lithium-ion 90%.
Can I take my old laptop battery to Staples?
Yes - lithium-ion laptop, phone, and tablet batteries are accepted at Staples (limit 5 per visit). Cover the contacts with tape before drop-off. If the battery is swollen, damaged, or won't come out of the device, take it to County HHW instead - swollen lithium batteries have fire risk in transport.
Does Best Buy also recycle batteries?
Yes - Best Buy accepts all consumer batteries free of charge at the kiosk near every US store entrance, max 3 per day. Best Buy also accepts CFL bulbs, ink cartridges, and small electronics in the same kiosk. The kiosk is the most convenient battery recycling for households generating small volumes.
Does Home Depot recycle batteries?
Home Depot accepts rechargeable batteries (NiMH, NiCad, lithium-ion, sealed lead-acid) free of charge in the entrance recycling station. Home Depot does NOT accept single-use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V) at most US locations. Take alkalines to Staples, Best Buy, or HHW.
Are car batteries accepted at Staples?
No - 12V automotive batteries are too large for the Staples program. Take car batteries to AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, or any scrap yard - they pay $5-$15 BUYBACK for old car batteries (they recycle the lead and pay the value). Scrap yards may pay up to $25 for a 50-lb battery at current lead prices.
What if my battery is damaged or swollen?
Do NOT bring damaged or swollen lithium batteries to Staples or any retail program - they have fire risk in transport. Take to County HHW facility (always free). For lithium battery emergencies (overheating, smoking), call the National Battery Recycling Hotline (1-877-Two-Recycle) or your local fire department for proper handling guidance.