As part of our workplace safety and sustainability efforts, we are asking all ACES units to inspect their workspaces for batteries that are no longer needed and ensure they are properly recycled. To support this effort, the College has arranged for battery recycling and disposal through a third-party vendor.
Battery collection will take place through Friday, August 21, 2026. During this period, your local IT office will serve as the collection point for any old or unneeded batteries you may have.
We can accept the following for recycling:
- Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)
- Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH)
- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd)
- Single-use batteries, including:
- Alkaline
- Lithium
- Button/coin cell batteries
- Small sealed lead-acid (SSLA/Pb)
- Sealed to prevent spilling
- Smaller than car batteries
We cannot accept:
- Damaged, defective or recalled batteries
- Immediate hazard, such as smoke, gas, fire, or noticeable leaking electrolyte
- Swelling of the battery case relative to the same battery in its original state
- Discoloration of the battery
- Melting of the battery
- Cracks, punctures, or holes in the battery
- Strange smells or signs of excessive corrosion
- Loose or damaged wires
- Devices with attached batteries
- Spillable lead-acid batteries**
- Large batteries such as those for cars, boats and RVs.
- Have a vented, open top capable of spilling acid.
If you have a large quantity of batteries that cannot be safely transported, please contact your local IT office to arrange assistance.
Do not bring damaged batteries to the collection site.
Batteries that are swollen, leaking, punctured, corroded, overheating, or otherwise damaged require special handling. If you find a damaged battery, do not move it unless necessary to address an immediate safety concern. Take a photo of the battery and email Daniel Gaither (gaither3@illinois.edu) as soon as possible, so its condition can be evaluated, and appropriate disposal instructions can be provided. If a battery is leaking or there has been a battery spill, email Daniel immediately for guidance on containment, cleanup, and disposal.
Please note: If you have equipment that contains built-in or removable batteries, the batteries should remain with the device. These items should continue to be disposed of through the standard equipment disposal/surplus process rather than the battery collection program.
**Spillable lead-acid batteries: If you have spillable lead-acid batteries needing disposal, please contact Daniel Gaither (gaither3@illinois.edu) for guidance.
If you have any questions, please submit a support request.