Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries are among the safest lithium chemistries—but they’re still lithium batteries and must not go in household trash or curbside recycling. The safest, legal way to get rid of them is to recycle through approved programs or household hazardous waste (HHW) events. Below is a clear, practical guide—starting with national steps anyone can use, then quick notes for key states so you can find the nearest drop-off fast.

First things first: safety & prep

Before transporting any lithium battery—even “dead” ones—do this:

1. Power down & inspect. If the pack is swollen, damaged, burned, or was involved in a fire, treat it as hazardous. Do not transport it yourself; contact your local fire department or HHW authority for instructions. 

2. Tape the terminals or bag individually. Cover exposed terminals with non-metallic tape (keep labels visible) or place each battery in its own bag to prevent short circuits. 

3. Do not place in trash or blue bin. Curbside systems are not set up for lithium batteries and fires in trucks/MRFs are a real risk. 

Where can I take LiFePO₄ batteries—anywhere in the U.S.?

Use one (or both) of these national locators:

• Call2Recycle – The largest U.S. drop-off network (often inside The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Staples). Accepts many rechargeable batteries; size/weight limits apply. Check your specific battery type/size. 

• Earth911 Recycling Search – Enter “lithium-ion battery” (or “battery”) + ZIP to see municipal HHW events, electronics recyclers, and retail partners near you. You can also call 1-800-CLEANUP.

Tip: Large-format LiFePO₄ packs (e.g., 12 V 100 Ah RV or solar storage) are often too big for retail bins. Use Earth911 to find an HHW program or a specialized recycler, or contact the battery manufacturer for take-back/shipping guidance. 

State-by-state highlights (what’s different where you live)

Below are quick notes for states with notable rules/programs. If your state isn’t listed, jump to the “Most other states” section.

California

• No batteries in the trash—statewide. Period. Use HHW events or retail/third-party programs. 

• New stewardship rules are coming. CalRecycle is implementing a statewide battery stewardship program, with regulations effective no earlier than Apr 1, 2025, followed by plan submissions and roll-outs. Keep an eye on updates for expanded drop-off options. 

• Battery-embedded products (tools, gadgets) also fall under a related law with manufacturer duties beginning July 1, 2025. 

• Practical move today: use Call2Recycle for small packs or Earth911 to find HHW sites near you (Los Angeles example shows Home Depot and other verified locations). 

New York (State & NYC)

• Illegal to trash rechargeable batteries. NYS requires manufacturers/retailers to take back covered rechargeable batteries. Many locations participate via Call2Recycle.

• NYC reiterates: do not put lithium-ion in trash or recycling; use retailer take-back or HHW options. 

• For large LiFePO₄ packs (e.g., energy storage), contact your county HHW program rather than retail bins. 

Vermont

• Best-in-class convenience. Vermont runs a state-approved stewardship program through Call2Recycle that covers household batteries (primary and rechargeable), giving residents unusually easy drop-off access. 

Washington

• Statewide battery EPR law (2023). Washington is building a producer-funded system that will expand battery recycling access across the state; rulemaking is underway. Expect more convenient options as the program phases in. Until then, use Call2Recycle and local HHW. 

Massachusetts

• State guidance: don’t trash lithium-ion; recycle. The state points residents to Call2Recycle to find nearby locations; for damaged/incident batteries, authorities may coordinate specialized disposal. 

Texas, Florida, Illinois (and most other states)

• These states commonly manage batteries through county/municipal HHW programs, electronics recyclers, and retail take-back for small rechargeables. Use Earth911 to find local HHW events and Call2Recycle for retail partners; for large LiFePO₄, call your HHW office. 

What size/type is “okay” for retailer drop-off?

Most retail drop-offs are designed for portable rechargeables (think tool packs, small 12 V packs for fish finders, camera batteries). They may not accept:

• Large, heavy energy-storage batteries (e.g., 12 V 100–300 Ah LiFePO₄ used for RVs/solar/golf carts).

• Damaged, swollen, or recalled batteries.

If your pack is big, damaged, or above the program’s size/weight threshold, call ahead or use your city/county HHW program or a specialized recycler found via Earth911. 

Special cases: e-mobility & fire-damaged packs

• E-bikes/scooters: Many programs focus on NMC/NCA lithium packs, but the handling is similar: do not trash; recycle through designated programs or HHW. If the pack is compromised, contact the fire department or HHW—do not attempt to ship it yourself. 

• Fire-damaged or bulging LiFePO₄: Treat as hazardous; request guidance from local authorities. Some states may arrange a contractor if you can’t safely transport it. 

Shipping LiFePO₄ to a recycler

If you use a mail-back kit (offered by Call2Recycle and others), follow the instructions exactly—there are DOT rules for shipping lithium cells. Keep terminals taped/isolated and use the provided packaging. When in doubt, ask the program for a kit sized to your battery. 

Quick step-by-step (bookmark this)

1. Identify your battery: chemistry (LiFePO₄), size/capacity, condition (intact vs. damaged).

2. Decide the channel:

   • Small & intact → Try Call2Recycle retail locations first. 

   • Large/very heavy or not accepted at retail → Search Earth911 for HHW/specialized recyclers. 

   • Damaged/after fire → Contact your local fire/HHW authority for safe handling. 

3. Prepare the battery: tape terminals or bag individually; pack securely. 

4. Drop off or ship per program instructions; keep any receipts or confirmations for your records.

5. For businesses: Ask your LiFePO₄ supplier about take-back, or contract with a certified battery recycler; EPR programs in states like CA and WA will expand options for producers and retailers—watch for new requirements.

Why recycling LiFePO₄ matters

Even though LiFePO₄ doesn’t contain cobalt or nickel, it can still ignite if mishandled and can contaminate other recyclable streams if tossed in the wrong bin. Proper recycling prevents facility fires and recovers aluminum, copper, and other materials—lowering the environmental footprint of the next generation of batteries. EPA guidance is clear: don’t trash lithium batteries; keep terminals isolated; use drop-off programs and HHW. 

Bottom line

• Never put LiFePO₄ batteries in curbside trash/recycling.

• Start with: Call2Recycle’s locator (portable packs) and Earth911 (HHW & large packs). 

• Check state specifics: CA, NY, VT, WA, and MA have strong rules and resources—use them.