Safely Dispose of Lithium-ion Batteries to Prevent Fires

Published on June 11, 2025

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in devices like e-bikes, smart phones, and power tools. Proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries is critical due to their potential environmental hazards, such a contamination of soil and water, and fire risks. 

Do not put lithium-ion batteries in regular trash or curbside recycling carts. They can cause fires during transport or at landfills and recycling centers. Instead, lithium-ion batteries should be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points. 

There are several local options for disposing of or recycling used lithium-ion batteries: 

• Visit Brevard County Solid Waste Management Department's Recyclopedia, call2recycle.org, or earth911.com to find locations to safely drop off and dispose of lithium-ion batteries.
• Local retailers such as Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and Battery Bulbs Plus participate in battery recycling programs and accept rechargeable batteries such as tools, phones and computer chargers.
• You can also take them to one of Brevard County’s household hazardous waste collection centers:
  • 3379 Sarno Road, Melbourne (Monday–Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • 2250 Adamson Road, Cocoa (Monday–Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) 
  • 3600 South Street, Titusville (Monday–Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) 

For more information:

• Contact the City of Melbourne ECO Division at 321-608-5080 or Brevard County Solid Waste Management Department at 321-633-2042 for questions about safe lithium-ion battery disposal and recycling.  
• For more information about fire safety and lithium-ion batteries, visit the Fire Safety Research Institute website or call the City of Melbourne Fire Prevention Office at 321-608-7910.