Posted on September 30, 2025
Batteries are a part of our daily lives, powering items we use in nearly every room of our home. From the gadgets that entertain us to the tools that keep our spaces clean, batteries are working quietly in the background. But when it comes time to dispose of them, throwing them in the garbage or recycling cart creates a dangerous fire risk.
Surprising Everyday Items with Hidden Batteries
Some devices are obvious, but others may surprise you. Here are common household items, big and small, that contain batteries:
- Remote control cars
- Kindles and e-readers
- Electric salt & pepper shakers
- AirPods and other earbuds
- Bluetooth speakers
- Drones
- Rechargeable picture lights
- Electric wine openers
- Video game controllers
- Electric toothbrushes and razors
- Laptops
- Robot vacuums
If it buzzes, hums, flashes, or charges - it has a battery. And that means it doesn’t belong in your garbage or recycling.
Why It Matters
Batteries can spark, leak, or explode if crushed or damaged inside garbage and recycling trucks or facilities. Fires caused by improper battery disposal put homes, workers, and entire facilities at risk. At Metro Waste Authority, our teams respond to fires almost daily - and many of these could have been prevented with safe disposal.
Protecting your home and community doesn’t require big changes, just small, safe steps.
What You Can Do
Instead of tossing batteries in the trash or recycling cart, bring them, and the small electronics they power, to a battery drop-off location near you. It’s easy, safe, and helps keep everyone protected.
Find a battery drop-off location near you.