Rumpke Raises Awareness About Safe Battery Disposal for National Battery Day 2026

DAYTON, Ohio–February 18, 2026–National Battery Day, an annual day of observance on February 18, celebrates the invention of batteries and the key role they play in our modern lives. The day is also an opportunity to promote the proper use and disposal of batteries to prevent fires and environmental harm.

To honor such a critical issue that significantly impacts our industry daily, Rumpke shares this day of public awareness to remind our neighbors and communities about safe battery disposal.

Batteries of any kind should never be placed in your trash or recycling containers. Some examples of these batteries include:

• Lead Acid Batteries (vehicles, boats)
• Lithium-ion Batteries (phones, laptops, power tools)
• Alkaline Batteries (AAA, AA, D-volt)

Damaged batteries can cause dangerous fires in our trucks and at our facilities. These fires put our equipment at risk, but more importantly, they endanger the lives of our employees, first responders and neighboring communities. Taking a moment to identify where you can safely dispose of your batteries effectively protects those who handle your materials and potential bystanders.

5 Best Practices for Disposing of Batteries

1. Visit Rumpke’s battery disposal resource page and Woodsy Owl's simple guide to turn your batteries in!
2. Put old batteries in plastic bags or cover the ends of battery terminals with clear packing tape. This prevents lingering charges from being released.
3. Locate your nearest disposal site, participating retailer or battery drop-off events in your community. The Battery Network is another great resource that promotes battery recycling across the country.
4. If you can’t remove the battery, bring the entire device to a facility recommended by your local solid waste management district for it to be properly disassembled. Batteries Plus offers many locations throughout the US.
5. Check for battery returns. Some battery manufacturers accept returns via mail, but it’s important to follow postal shipping guidelines before putting old batteries in the mail.

 We understand how confusing proper battery disposal can be. That’s why Rumpke works to raise awareness year-round by sharing regularly educational resources on proper battery disposal.

By taking the initiative and staying informed about what we throw away, we can safeguard our environment and community members—together.

 To learn more about Rumpke, visit www.rumpke.com.