A battery sitting in a kitchen drawer may seem harmless, but its improper disposal can pose safety and environmental risks. Batteries can cause fires in waste collection systems if damaged, and the chemicals and heavy metals they contain can contaminate the environment when they end up in landfills.

In Singapore, batteries are managed as regulated e-waste rather than general household waste. Under the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) regulated e-waste management system, used batteries can be disposed of through designated collection points, including e-waste bins, battery collection bins and participating retail collection channels, where they are sent for proper disposal and recycling.

To dispose of batteries, prepare them for safe disposal, place them in the appropriate collection bin or drop-off point, and let a professional e-waste recycler handle the recycling.

Can You Just Throw Batteries in the Bin?

You cannot throw batteries in general waste bins or blue recycling bins. They contain reactive materials and chemicals that require specialised handling, and disposing of them with everyday waste can create safety and environmental risks.

Fire Risk

Lithium batteries can ignite when they are crushed, punctured or otherwise damaged, such as during waste collection and compaction.

Singapore has experienced such incidents in recent years. During the 2024 Chinese New Year period, an improperly disposed battery ignited inside a waste collection truck after being placed in a blue recycling bin.

This incident was a reminder that even a single battery disposed of incorrectly can put waste collection workers and vehicles at risk.

Contamination Risk

Batteries contain materials such as lithium, nickel and other metals. When they are sent to landfill instead of a recycling stream, these materials can break down and leach into surrounding soil and waterways.

Recycling through an approved channel allows these materials to be recovered and reused.

Types of Batteries Found in Most Singapore Homes

Most homes use a mix of battery types across everyday household devices.

Standard household cells: AA, AAA, AAAA, C and D batteries used in remotes, torches and toys.
Speciality cells: 9-volt batteries and button cells found in smoke detectors and small electronics.
Rechargeable batteries: These are used in cordless tools, cameras and household gadgets.
Device batteries: This includes laptop, phone and power bank batteries.

How to Prepare Batteries Before Recycling

Before dropping off used batteries, follow the NEA's preparation steps to ensure they can be handled safely.

Tape the Ends or Wires: Rechargeable and 9-volt batteries should have their terminals taped to prevent short circuits while in transit.
Seal Damaged Batteries Separately: Any battery that is leaking or visibly damaged should be placed in a leak-proof container or bag before it is taken anywhere.

Where to Dispose of Batteries in Singapore?

Depending on the battery type, you can dispose of used batteries through several approved collection channels in Singapore.

1. ALBA E-Waste Bins

ALBA E-waste Smart Recycling is the Producer Responsibility Scheme Operator appointed by NEA under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme, which began on 1 July 2021.

Under this scheme, different types of bins accept batteries:

3-in-1 bin for ICT equipment, batteries and lamps
Manned in-store counter collection for ICT equipment and batteries
Battery & Bulb (BB) bin for batteries and lamps only
Battery-only bins for batteries only

These are placed across shopping malls, supermarkets, retail outlets, community centres, Residents' Committee Centres and government buildings.

2. Retailer In-Store Collection

Under the same EPR scheme, electronics retailers offer in-store battery collection, either through a dedicated bin or over-the-counter drop-off, and no purchase is required to use it. For shoppers already out running errands, this is one of the best ways to dispose of old batteries without throwing them away in bins.

3. ALBA Doorstep Collection and Quarterly E-Waste Drives

ALBA provides a free doorstep collection service for a wide range of e-waste, including batteries, ICT equipment, large household appliances, electric mobility devices and light bulbs. It also organises e-waste collection drives at participating housing estates in partnership with town councils.

4. KGS TakeBag Programme

KGS's TakeBag programme is designed for households that want to recycle at home without having to find a bin. Residents order a polymailer bag online, pack their batteries and small e-waste items into it, and drop it off at any Pick! locker.

5. ALBA Depot Drop-Off

For bulkier batteries or larger volumes, they can be dropped off directly at ALBA's depot at 20 Tuas Loop, which accepts all regulated consumer e-waste in a single visit.

6. Earth Recycling Services

If you are clearing out old batteries together with unwanted electronics or other household items, Earth Recycling Services can help ensure they are disposed of safely and responsibly as part of our junk removal services.

We collect a wide range of household and office e-waste, including electronics and battery-powered items, then sort them for recycling wherever possible. For businesses, we also manage office waste disposal, taking care of unwanted electronics, furniture and confidential documents while prioritising recycling or donation whenever suitable.

This approach helps you dispose of batteries correctly while supporting the benefits of recycling by recovering valuable materials and reducing unnecessary waste.

Dispose of Batteries and Electronics with Earth Recycling Services

Whether you are disposing of batteries as part of a home or office clean-out, we at Earth Recycling Services can help make the process simple and hassle-free.

Simply send us photos or videos of the items you would like removed via WhatsApp or email, and we'll provide a free, no-obligation quote. Once you approve the quotation, we'll confirm a collection time, and our team will arrive as scheduled to handle the junk removal process from start to finish.

Contact us today to request your free quote!

How to Dispose of Batteries in Singapore?