What do I do with my old batteries?
Batteries don't belong in the trash or curbside recycling — lithium-ion cells especially have started fires in garbage trucks and at the Republic Services MRF. The type of battery determines where it goes, so it helps to sort them before you leave the house.
Step 1 — Best
Reduce
Don’t create the waste in the first place.
- •Switch to rechargeable AA/AAA for high-drain devices like game controllers and kids' toys.
- •Before replacing rechargeables, try a full discharge/recharge cycle — capacity often comes back.
Step 2 — Better
Reuse
Give it another life — donate, sell, or repurpose.
- •Tape the terminals of partly-used 9V and button-cell batteries and keep them for low-drain uses (remotes, clocks).
- •Some hobbyists and e-bike builders take salvageable lithium cells — check Free Cycles or local maker groups.
Step 3 — Good
Recycle
Proper drop-off keeps materials in the economy.
- •Rechargeable & lithium-ion (power tools, laptops, phones, vapes): Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy (N Reserve) all have Call2Recycle drop bins, free.
- •Single-use alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): Missoula Household Hazardous Waste events, or Home ReSource.
- •Car and marine lead-acid batteries: O'Reilly or any auto parts store for core credit.
Last Resort
Heads up
Never put lithium-ion batteries in curbside recycling or trash — they start fires. If a battery is swollen, hot, or leaking, bag it in sand or kitty litter and take it to a hazmat event.
Where to take it in Missoula
Top spots from our verified local directory. Hours and details current as of April 2026.
Home ReSource
Top PickChanel’s tip: Home ReSource is my #1 stop for anyone renovating or decluttering building materials. Their free pickup service is a lifesaver for big loads — just text 406-880-5555 with photos. And their chemical disposal program is the ONLY legit place in Missoula to get rid of paint, solvents, and pesticides safely. Book ahead.
Still overwhelmed?
batteries is just one pile. If the whole house feels like this, Chanel handles the sorting, hauling, and drop-offs — across every category in this guide.
Book a Free Call →or call (406) 285-1525
Disposal information on this page is synthesized from ZERO by FIFTY Missoula’s Batteries guide, a City of Missoula initiative coordinated by Home ReSource.
Clutter Free Spaces adds local overlays: live hours, community verification, and a direct path to help if you need it.