Michigan’s Battery Disposal Laws: What You Need To Know Before Tossing That Battery

Can you legally throw away your batteries without any issues in Michigan?

Does it matter what type of batteries you are trying to get rid of?

Michigan law has a full breakdown for this particular situation.

According to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, throwing away a lead acid battery in the trash, recycling, or in a landfill is illegal.

"It is illegal to discard a lead acid battery except by delivery to a retailer, a distributor, a manufacturer, or a collection, recycling, or smelting factory approved by the department."

In the same way, the state requires "retailers to accept used lead-acid batteries upon the purchase or within 30 calendar days of the purchase of a lead-acid battery."

Why is it so important to get rid of batteries in the proper way?

Battery Recyclers of America says improper disposal could affect our soil, water supply, and more.

"Over 90% of zinc-carbon batteries end up in landfills. This improper disposal of these batteries has a dire impact on our environment. When its metallic cylinder corrodes, its zinc carbon gets into the soil. This reaches our water supply, which waters the food we eat. Too much exposure to these heavy metals can cause neurological issues and cancer."

⬇️ BELOW: Is It Illegal? Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Laws ⬇️

If you have lithium batteries, such as lithium single-use and button-cell batteries, you should recycle them by dropping them off at a drop-off station or certain retail locations like Batteries Plus and Interstate All Battery Center.

You can find a Call2Recycle location near you depending on what type of battery you are getting rid of.